Stablor® and reduction of visceral fat while maintaining lean mass: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Laboratoires Nutrition et Cardiometabolisme, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to Stablor® and decrease in visceral fat while preserving lean mass. The food Stablor®, a drink preparation with defined macro- and micronutrient composition and a specific proportion of amino acids (tryptophan to neutral amino acids ratio) which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The Panel considers that reduction of visceral fat while maintaining lean body mass in the context of an energy restricted diet is a beneficial physiological effect in overweight or obese subjects with abdominal fat and cardiometabolic risk factors. Four human studies were submitted by the applicant as pertinent to the claimed effect. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that one human study from which conclusions could be drawn for scientific substantiation of the claimed effect did not show an effect of Stablor® on visceral fat mass in the context of an energy restricted diet. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of Stablor® and reduction of visceral fat while maintaining lean body mass in the context of an energy restricted diet.