Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to coenzyme Q10 and contribution to normal energy- yielding metabolism (ID 1508, 1512, 1720, 1912, 4668), maintenance of normal blood pressure (ID 1509, 1721, 1911), protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 1510), contribution to normal cognitive function (ID 1511), maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations (ID 1721) and increase in endurance capacity and/or endurance performance (ID 1913) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following 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 1924/2006. This opinion addresses the scientific substantiation of health claims in relation to coenzyme Q(10) and contribution to normal energy-yielding metabolism, maintenance of normal blood pressure, protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage, contribution to normal cognitive function, maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations and increase in endurance capacity and/or endurance performance. 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, which is the subject of the health claims, is coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone). The Panel considers that coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone) is sufficiently characterised. Contribution to normal energy-yielding metabolism The claimed effects are energy metabolism, ubiquinione takes part in electron- transferring in the respiratory chain, for physiological energy, energy production, muscle function and energising by stimulating the obtainance of adenosine triphosphate from the cellular energetic processes.The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the proposed wordings and clarifications provided by Member States, the Panel assumes that the claimed effects relate to energyyielding metabolism. The Panel considers that contribution to normal energy-yielding metabolism is a beneficial physiological effect. The Panel notes that no data have been provided supporting an effect of coenzyme Q(10) consumption on energy- yielding metabolism under the proposed conditions of use in the target population. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone) and contribution to normal energy- yielding metabolism. Maintenance of normal blood pressure The claimed effects are blood pressure, heart health and maintenance and promotion of heart health. The target population is assumed to be the general population. The Panel considers that maintenance of normal blood pressure is a beneficial physiological effect. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that most of the studies presented have been conducted in hypertensive patients on pharmacological treatment for hypertension, that the evidence provided does not establish that interactions between coenzyme Q(10) and antihypertensive treatment can be excluded, and that only one intervention study, which had considerable weaknesses, reported a significant effect of coenzyme Q(10) supplementation on blood pressure. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone) and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage The claimed effects are antioxidant activity and normal antioxidant properties. The target population is assumed to be the general population. The Panel considers that the protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage may be a beneficial physiological effect. In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that the markers and methods used were inadequate to assess oxidative damage to molecules, and that evidence provided in animal and in vitro studies does not predict an effect on the protection of DNA from oxidative damage in humans. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone) and the protection of DNA, proteins or lipids from oxidative damage. Contribution to normal cognitive function The claimed effect is protection of healthy neurological system. 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 normal cognitive function. The Panel considers that contribution to normal cognitive function is a beneficial physiological effect. No references were provided from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claimed effect. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone) and contribution to normal cognitive function. Maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations The claimed effect is maintenance and promotion of heart health. The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the proposed wordings, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect relates to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations. The Panel considers that the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations is a beneficial physiological effect. No references were provided from which scientific conclusions could be drawn for the substantiation of the claimed effect. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone) and the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations. Increase in endurance capacity and/or endurance performance (ID 1913) The claimed effect is physical activity. The target population is assumed to be active individuals in the general population. The Panel considers that an increase in endurance capacity and/or endurance performance is a beneficial physiological effect. No references were provided from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claimed effect. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinone) and an increase in endurance capacity and/or endurance performance.