A health claim is “any statement about a relationship between food and health,” and is substantiated by health claims regulation.
The European Commission authorizes nutrition claims and nutrition and health claims when they comply with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, also cited as EC No 1924/2006, the legal basis in the European Union for approved health claims on food products, including food supplements.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating this scientific evidence supporting health claims, including whether a cause-and-effect relationship supports the claimed effect and whether the nutrient is sufficiently characterized for the relevant function claims.
Where to find folate
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9; this substance is a water-soluble vitamin and one of the essential nutrients used in food products and food supplements within the European Union regulatory framework. It is found naturally in many foods, including dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, and pulses. Humans are unable to produce folate, so this B vitamin must be obtained from the diet or taken through fortified foods or supplements. Quatrefolic®, the 4th generation of folate, provides the active form that is immediately utilized and stored in the human body after ingestion.
Folate science shows
Folate contributes to many functions in the body, according to numerous studies. The European Commission confirmed the scientific substantiation of health claims for folate and the following claimed effects:
- Blood formation
- Homocysteine metabolism
- Energy metabolism
- Immune system function
- Blood vessel function
- Cell division
- Maternal tissue growth during pregnancy
The European Food Safety Commission approved health claims linked to normal function, including support for the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.
Deep Dive into Folate and Folic Acid
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is often used synonymously as folic acid, the synthetic form. B9 is one of the essential B vitamins and works alongside riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6 in related metabolic functions; like other B vitamins, it supports healthy cell growth, DNA synthesis, and red blood cells; and adequate dietary intake of this vitamin is especially important in adults.
Nutrition information often uses nutrient reference benchmarks such as population reference intakes.
Use of these nutrients is subject to regulation for food supplements and dietetic products across EU member states.
