Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to wheat bran fibre and increase in faecal bulk (ID 3066), reduction in intestinal transit time (ID 828, 839, 3067, 4699) and contribution to the maintenance or achievement of a normal body

Abstract

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy SUMMARYFollowing a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to provide a scientific opinion on a list of health claims pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924No /2006. This opinion addresses the scientific substantiation of health claims in relation to wheat bran fibre and increase in faecal bulk, reduction in intestinal transit time and contribution to the maintenance or achievement of a normal body weight. The scientific substantiation is based on the information provided by the Member States in the consolidated list of Article 13 health claims and references that EFSA has received from Member States or directly from stakeholders.The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is wheat bran fibre. The Panel considers that wheat bran fibre is sufficiently characterised. Increase in faecal bulkThe claimed effect is "intestinal health: faecal bulking". The target population is assumed to be the general population. The Panel considers that an increase in faecal bulk might be a beneficial physiological effect.In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that the majority of the human intervention studies showed a consistent effect of wheat bran fibre on faecal bulk and that no threshold dose for the effect can be established. A linear dose dependent relationship was demonstrated in several studies. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of wheat bran fibre and an increase in faecal bulk.The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: "Wheat bran fibre contributes to an increase in faecal bulk".The Panel considers that in order to bear the claim a food should be at least "high in fibre" as per Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924No /2006. The target population is the general population. Reduction in intestinal transit timeThe claimed effects are "gut health" and "intestinal transit time, intestinal health". The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the clarifications provided by Member States, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to a reduction in intestinal transit time. The Panel considers that a reduction in intestinal transit time within the normal range might be a beneficial physiological effect.In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that the studies provided consistently indicated that wheat bran fibre consumed at an amount of at least 10 g per day decreased intestinal transit time.On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of wheat bran fibre and a reduction in intestinal transit time.The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: "Wheat bran fibre contributes to a reduction in intestinal transit time".The Panel considers that in order to obtain the claimed effect at least 10 g per day of wheat...

Short Term (14 Days) Consumption of Insoluble Wheat Bran Fibre-Containing Breakfast Cereals Improves Subjective Digestive Feelings, General Wellbeing and Bowel Function in a Dose Dependent Manner

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Wheat and Oat Brans as Sources of Polyphenol Compounds for Development of Antioxidant Nutraceutical Ingredients

“…In addition to fiber-related benefits of whole grains, which have been extensively reported [7], research has shown further benefits related to the presence of biologically active compounds and to synergistic effects between dietary fiber and different micronutrients [7,8]. The European Food Safety Authority recommends a dietary fiber intake of 25 g/day, ranging from 10 to 20 g/day in young children and from 16 to 29 g/day in adults [9]. For children, this varies and the general rule for health care professionals is to calculate it as age of child plus 5 (g/day).…”

Next Generation Health Claims Based on Resilience: The Example of Whole-Grain Wheat

“…So far, the EFSA Panel considered a wide range of specific fibers as sufficiently characterized, and has substantiated a number of the submitted health claims, including wheat bran fiber for a reduction in intestinal transit time and for an increase in fecal bulk [67], rye fiber for contributing to normal bowel function [68], oat and barley grain fiber for an increase in fecal bulk [69], and beta-glucans from oats and barley for a reduction in post-prandial glycemic responses [70], and for maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels [70,71]. As is apparent from these examples, the EFSA panel is only considering individual products 'as sufficiently characterized'; or combinations of ingredients or products if they are similar regarding the component(s) relevant for the claimed effect (e.g., beta-glucans of oats and barley).…”