Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin A and contribution to normal development and function of the immune system pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from IDACE, submitted 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 A and contribution to normal development and function of the immune system. The food constituent, vitamin A, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. Contribution to normal development and function of the immune system is a beneficial physiological effect for infants and young children. A claim on vitamin A and normal function of the immune system in the general population has already been assessed with a favourable outcome. The Panel notes that the role of vitamin A in the normal function of the immune system also applies to the developing immune system of infants and young children (from birth to three years). The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between dietary intake of vitamin A and contribution to normal development and function of the immune system. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system”. The target population is infants and children up to three years.