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 casein protein hydrolysates and growth or maintenance of muscle mass, increase in endurance performance and faster recovery from muscle fatigue after exercise. 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 casein protein hydrolysates. The Panel considers that casein protein hydrolysates are sufficiently characterised in relation to the claimed effects. Growth or maintenance of muscle mass (ID 1498) The claimed effect is "absorption rate and muscle accretion". 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 effect refers to the growth or maintenance of muscle mass. The Panel considers that growth or maintenance of muscle mass is a beneficial physiological effect. A claim on protein and growth or maintenance of muscle mass has been assessed by the Panel with a favourable outcome (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), 2010). No human studies which investigated the effects of casein protein hydrolysates on muscle mass or muscle strength were provided. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of casein protein hydrolysates and growth or maintenance of muscle mass apart from the well established role of protein on the claimed effect. Increase in endurance performance (ID 660, 1497) The claimed effect is "physical performance". The target population is assumed to be adults performing endurance exercise. In the context of the proposed wordings, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to an increase in endurance performance. The Panel considers that an increase in endurance performance is a beneficial physiological effect. No studies have been provided from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claim. On the basis on the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of casein protein hydrolysates and increase in endurance performance. Faster recovery from muscle fatigue after exercise (ID 660, 1497) The claimed effect is "physical performance". The target population is assumed to be adults performing strenuous exercise. In the context of the proposed wordings, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to muscle fatigue recovery. The Panel considers that faster recovery from muscle fatigue after exercise is a beneficial physiological effect. No studies have been 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 casein protein hydrolysates and faster recovery from muscle fatigue after exercise.
