Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to calcium‐containing fruit juices and the reduction of tooth demineralisation pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Abstract

Following an application from FrieslandCampina submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of The Netherlands, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to acidic calcium-containing fruit juices and the reduction of tooth demineralisation. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to reduction of disease risk. The Panel considers that the food, acidic calcium-containing fruit juices and comparative products, conventional fruit juices (not containing added calcium), are sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that reducing tooth demineralisation resulting from erosive potential of a food is a beneficial physiological effect, provided that it is not accompanied by tooth demineralisation resulting from acid production in plaque through the fermentation of carbohydrates. A total of 37 pertinent studies were identified by the applicant, including observational studies, reviews, intervention studies on the erosive potential of fruit juices and other acidic drinks with and without added calcium in situ, in vitro studies on the erosive potential of acidic drinks with and without added calcium, and an animal study on the effect of calcium added to acidic drinks on dental erosion. The Panel notes that the potential of fruit juices with and without added calcium for demineralisation of dental enamel by acid production in plaque as a result of sugar fermentation was not assessed in any study. The Panel considers that the potential of fruit juices with and without added calcium for demineralisation of dental enamel, including the possible effects of both acids and sugars, has not been assessed appropriately. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of acidic calcium-containing fruit juices in replacement of fruit juice without added calcium and the reduction of tooth demineralisation.