L‐carnitine and contribution to normal lipid metabolism: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Lonza Ltd., submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Germany, the EFSA Panelon Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to L-carnitine and normal lipid metabolism. The food that is proposed as the subject of the health claim is L-carnitine. The Panelconsiders that L-carnitine is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect proposed by the applicant is normal lipid metabolism'. The target population proposed by the applicant is the general population. The Panelconsiders that contribution to normal lipid metabolism is a beneficial physiological effect. The applicant proposes that the claim submitted with this application is based on the essentiality of a nutrient. The Panelconsiders that the evidence provided does not establish that dietary L-carnitine is required to maintain normal lipid metabolism in the target population, for which the claim is intended. The Panelconcludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of L-carnitine and contribution to normal lipid metabolism in the target population.