European Union leaps ahead in recognition of the benefits of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids
The European Union will leap ahead of other governments in its recognition of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids' benefits with legislation that will establish multiple health claims, nutrition claims, and intake targets for EPA and DHA.
The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) is considering recommending a Dietary Reference Value (DRV) of 250mg EPA+DHA intake per day, based on reducing cardiac mortality risk. The level is controversial because many leading scientists believe 500mg is more appropriate, but EFSA noted that a recent paper suggested that intakes over 250mg provided no additional cardioprotection. The level is not likely to change until this issue is addressed, but papers currently being published do exactly that.
Daily intake levels are important because they allow for nutrition claims that help consumers know whether a product contains a significant omega-3 fatty acid dosage. Based on a target of 250mg, companies would be allowed to claim a product is 'High in omega-3s' if it contained 80mg (~30% of 250mg) of EPA+DHA per 100g, while those containing at least 40mg (~15%) could claim they are a 'Source of omega-3s.' This regulation is also controversial because it would allow similar claims for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) omega-3 fatty acids, to the consternation of many scientists. However, it appears that there is sufficient support from EU Member States to adopt the claims.
The EU is also considering establishing children's health claims. EFSA recently rejected a brain development claim on infant formulas containing DHA due to technical issues in the application, but noted that DHA plays a "structural and functional role" in brain development and that maternal intake is beneficial for infants. So a modified brain development claim that underscores the importance of maternal intake of DHA during pregnancy and lactation is under consideration. In addition, EFSA also agreed that a claim should be allowed for highlighting how infant DHA consumption improves visual acuity and development.
EFSA also evaluated four claims on the general role EPA/DHA play in health, but they only agreed that two claims should be allowed: maintenance of normal triglyceride levels and maintenance of normal blood pressure. There is some uncertainty as to how these claims will be implemented because EFSA said that high daily intakes are needed to obtain the benefits, 2-4g/day for triglycerides and 3g/day for blood pressure. These are much higher than most omega-3 fatty acid products contain; however, there are papers submitted for publication that demonstrate these effects can be obtained at 500mg/day. EFSA did disagree with two claims: the maintenance of normal HDL cholesterol levels and joint health. It said more research was needed as to whether HDL levels could be raised independent of LDL cholesterol, while the joint health claim applications were based on evidence from studies on rheumatoid arthritis patients, which EFSA said was not representative of the general population that would see the claim.
Key Points
- The EU is jumping ahead of other countries in advancing omega-3 fatty acid education by establishing health claims and daily intake values.
- These initiatives represent an important science-based endorsement for the role omega-3 fatty acids play in human nutrition.
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