Vitamin C and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Specialised Nutrition Europe (formerly IDACE), submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 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 vitamin C and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. The Panel considers that vitamin C is sufficiently characterised and that protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage is a beneficial physiological effect. The target population proposed by the applicant is infants (from birth) and young children up to 3 years of age. The Panel has previously assessed a claim on vitamin C and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage with a favourable outcome. The target population was the general population. The Panel considers that the role of vitamin C in protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage applies to all ages, including infants and young children up to 3 years of age. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin C and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. (C) 2017 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.