Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to L-theanine from Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (tea) and improvement of cognitive function (ID 1104, 1222, 1600, 1601, 1707, 1935, 2004, 2005), alleviation of psychological stress (ID 159

Abstract

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 L-theanine from Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (tea) and improvement of cognitive function, alleviation of psychological stress, maintenance of normal sleep and reduction of menstrual discomfort. 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/constituents that are the subject of the health claims are Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (tea) and L-theanine. The Panel considers that while Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (tea) is not sufficiently characterised in relation to the claimed effects, L-theanine from Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze (tea) is sufficiently characterised. Improvement of cognitive functionThe claimed effects are "physical and mental stimulation (hydration and caffeine)", "mental and cognitive health", "cognitive function", "neurological functions", "physiological antagonistic against caffeine", and "cognitive performance: focussed attention". The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the proposed wordings and clarifications from Member States, the Panel assumes that the claimed effects refer to improvement of cognitive function. The Panel considers that improvement of cognitive function is a beneficial physiological effect.In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that the three human studies from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claim did not show an effect of L-theanine on improvement of cognitive function.On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of L-theanine from Camellia Sinensis (L.) Kuntze (tea) and improvement of cognitive function. Alleviation of psychological stressThe claimed effects are "relaxation" and "neurological functions". The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the proposed wordings, clarifications from Member States and references provided, the Panel assumes that the claimed effects refer to alleviation of psychological stress. The Panel considers that alleviation of psychological stress might be a beneficial physiological effect.No references were provided from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claim.On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of L-theanine from Camellia Sinensis (L.) Kuntze (tea) and alleviation of psychological stress. Maintenance of normal sleepThe claimed effects are "mental and cognitive ...