Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to superoxide dismutase (SOD) and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 1785, 1839, 1970, 2304, 2305, 3159, 3160), protection of the skin from photo-oxidative (UV-induced) damage (ID 2305, 3161), reduction of muscle fatigue during exercise (ID 1840), and “effects on immune system” (ID 2304, 3160) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to provide a scientific opinion on a list of health claims pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. This opinion addresses the scientific substantiation of health claims in relation to superoxide dismutase (SOD) and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage, protection of the skin from photo-oxidative (UV-induced) damage, reduction of muscle fatigue during exercise, and “effects on immune system”. The scientific substantiation is based on the information provided by the Member States in the consolidated list of Article 13 health claims and references that EFSA has received from Member States or directly from stakeholders. The food constituents that are the subjects of the health claims are “superoxide dismutase (SOD)”, “melon extract (containing SOD)/wheat gliadin”, and “pollen pistil extract + SOD”. The Panel assumes that the food constituent that is the subject of the health claims (i.e. the “active” food constituent responsible for the claimed effect) is SOD. The Panel notes that absorption of intact SOD has not been observed in humans and is unlikely to occur. The Panel considers that superoxide dismutase is sufficiently characterised in relation to the claimed effects.