What does EFSA say about Omega-3 claims?

A health claim can only be used if it is on the European list of approved claims. The following claims have been approved by the European Food Safety Association:

• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg;
• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 250 mg DHA and EPA together;
• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal triglyceride levels in the blood. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 2 grams of DHA and EPA together. The additional daily intake of DHA and EPA together should not exceed 5 grams;
• DHA and EPA contribute to the normal functioning of the heart. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 250 mg DHA and EPA together;
• DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 3 grams of DHA and EPA together. The additional daily intake of DHA and EPA together should not exceed 5 grams;
• DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal triglyceride levels in the blood. The beneficial effect is obtained on a daily intake of 2 grams of DHA and EPA together. The additional daily intake of DHA and EPA together should not exceed 5 grams.

• Child claim: DHA intake contributes to normal visual development of infants up to the age of 12 months. This claim is laid down in Regulation No. 440/2011. Condition: Information to consumers that the beneficial effect is obtained at a daily intake of 100 mg DHA. When the claim is used for follow-on formulas, the fat should contain 0.3% DHA;
• Child claim: The intake of DHA by the mother contributes to the normal development of the eyes in the fetus and in infants who are breastfeeding. This claim is laid down in Regulation No. 440/2011. Condition: Information to pregnant and breastfeeding women that the beneficial effect is obtained from a 200 mg DHA DI on top of the ADI * for adult Omega-3 fatty acids (250 mg DHA and EPA). The claim may only be used for foods that provide a DI of at least 200 mg DHA;
• Child claim: The intake of DHA by the mother contributes to the normal development of the brain in the fetus and in infants who receive breastfeeding. This claim is laid down in Regulation No. 440/2011.
• Information to pregnant and breastfeeding women that the beneficial effect is obtained from a 200 mg DHA DI on top of the ADI * for adult Omega-3 fatty acids (250 mg DHA and EPA). The claim may only be used for foods that provide a DI of at least 200 mg DHA.