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

Health claims on foods are a way of informing consumers about the health benefits of a food product. Traditionally, these claims are based on scientific evaluation of markers originating from a pharmacological view on health. About a decade ago, the definition of health has been rephrased to ‘the ability to adapt’ that opened up the possibility for a next generation of health claims based on a new way of quantifying health by evaluating resilience. Here, we would like to introduce an opportunity for future scientific substantiation of health claims on food products by using whole-grain wheat as an example. Characterization of the individual whole wheat grain food product or whole wheat flour would probably be considered as sufficiently characterized by the European Food Safety Authority, while the food category whole grain is not specific enough. Meta-analysis provides the scientific evidence that long-term whole-grain wheat consumption is beneficial for health, although results from single ‘gold standard’ efficacy studies are not always straight forward based on classic measurement methods. Future studies may want to underpin the scientific argumentation that long-term whole grain wheat consumption improves resilience, by evaluating the disruption and rate of a selected panel of blood markers in response to a standardized oral protein glucose lipid tolerance test and aggregated into biomarkers with substantiated physiological benefits, to make a next-generation health claim for whole-grain wheat achievable in the near future.


Clarification provided
Rye flower is characterised by low glycaemic index.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.

not validated
High-fibre sourdough rye bread <p>Reduction of post-prandial glycaemic responses compared with glucose</p> Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

Wheat bran fibre
Wheat bran fibre contributes to an acceleration of intestinal transit The claim may be used only for food which is high in that fibre as referred to in the claim HIGH FIBRE as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. In order to bear the claim information shall be given to the consumer that the claimed effect is obtained with a daily intake of at least 10 g of wheat bran fibre.

reduction in intestinal transit time Wheat bran fibre
Wheat bran fibre contributes to an increase in faecal bulk The claim may be used only for food which is high in that fibre as referred to in the claim HIGH FIBRE as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924No /2006.

Increase in faecal bulk Wheat Dextrin
-Diet rich in fiber can help you maintain good cardiovascular health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy cholesterol Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
maintenance of normal (fasting) blood levels to promote overall heart health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy blood pressure to promote overall heart health.
-Diets rich in fiber can help promote healthy triglyceride levels.

concentrations of triglycerides
Wheat Dextrin -Diet rich in fiber can help you maintain good cardiovascular health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels to promote overall heart health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy blood pressure to promote overall heart health.
-Diets rich in fiber can help promote healthy triglyceride levels.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations
Wheat Dextrin -Diet rich in fiber can help you maintain good cardiovascular health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels to promote overall heart health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy blood pressure to promote overall heart health.
-Diets rich in fiber can help promote healthy triglyceride levels.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal blood pressure
Melon extract (containing SOD) /Wheat Gliadin -Protects organism against effects of the free radicals in excess during oxidative stress.
-Protects against cellular ageing induced by free radicals Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated. Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
protection of the skin from photooxidative (UVinduced) damage
-Promotes the whole natural defences against free radicals in excess -Helps maintain the immune system Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage
-Promotes the whole natural defences against free radicals in excess -Helps maintain the immune system Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not sufficiently defined to be able to be assessed and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
&quot;effects on immune system&quot; Wheat Dextrin -Wheat dextrin has low glycemic and insulinemic indices and it is suitable for use by diabetics.
-Eating a diet high in fiber can help control postprandial glucose levels and serum lipid profiles.
-Dietary fiber helps improve glycemic control to improve your ability to maintain normal blood sugar and insulin levels, essential for good health Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

reduction of post-prandial glycaemic responses
Wheat Dextrin -Diet rich in fiber can help you maintain good cardiovascular health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels to promote overall heart health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy blood pressure to promote overall heart health.
-Diets rich in fiber can help promote healthy triglyceride levels Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides
Wheat Dextrin -Diet rich in fiber can help you maintain good cardiovascular health.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
maintenance of normal blood -Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels to promote overall heart health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy blood pressure to promote overall heart health.
-Diets rich in fiber can help promote healthy triglyceride levels

cholesterol concentrations
Wheat Dextrin -Diet rich in fiber can help you maintain good cardiovascular health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels to promote overall heart health.
-Dietary fiber helps maintain healthy blood pressure to promote overall heart health.
-Diets rich in fiber can help promote healthy triglyceride levels Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal blood pressure
Wheat Dextrin -Wheat dextrin has low glycemic and insulinemic indices.
-Eating a diet high in fiber can help control postprandial glucose levels and serum lipid profiles.
-Dietary fiber helps improve glycemic control to improve your ability to maintain normal blood sugar and insulin levels, essential for good health.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

reduction of post-prandial glycaemic responses
Wheat germ oil 1. Improves metabolism 2. Helps maintain functions and structure of the body and its organ cell membranes 3. Activates absorption of calcium in intestinal tract thereby increasing bone density

Promotes body purification and reduction of body mass
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal bone
Wheat germ oil 1. Improves skin condition, its elasticity and firmness, promotes natural renewal of skin cells, normalizes skin's moisture level by moisturizing it in a natural way.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal skin hydration
Wheat germ oil 1. Increases immunity 2. Ensures activity of the immune system, reduction of inflammatory reactions Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not a beneficial physiological effect as required by the Regulation.

reduction of inflammation
Wheat germ oil 1. Strengthens the cardiovascular system 2. Promotes lmaintenance of vascular elasticity, heart health and normal blood pressure

Ensures regulation of the blood vessel tonus
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
maintenance of normal blood pressure

Wheat (Triticum vulgare)
Contributes to maintain a healthy skin.
Contributes to skin hydration/ moisturizing.
Helps to protect the skin.
Helps to support skin's natural defenses against UV-radiations.
Antioxidants help your skin to combat the production of free radicals during exposure to the sun.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

Wheat (Triticum vulgare)
Contributes to maintain a healthy skin.
Contributes to skin hydration/ moisturizing.
Helps to protect the skin.
Helps to support skin's natural defenses against UV-radiations.
Antioxidants help your skin to combat the production of free radicals during exposure to the sun.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
protection of the skin from photooxidative (UVinduced) damage

Cystine (wheat extract)
Contributes to normal hair growth Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal hair Wheat (Triticum vulgare)
Helps to control blood levels of cholesterol. Contributes to a healthy cholesterol level and healthy blood vessels.
Contributes to a normal blood pressure.
Helps to maintain a healthy heart.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations
Contributes to normal cholesterol levels.
Helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Wheat (Triticum vulgare) Helps to control blood levels of cholesterol. Contributes to a healthy cholesterol level and healthy blood vessels.
Contributes to a normal blood pressure.
Helps to maintain a healthy heart.
Contributes to normal cholesterol levels.
Helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

Wheat grain fibre
Helps with weight control Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
contribution to the maintenance or achievement of a normal body weight Wheat germ oil Increases potency Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

contribution to normal fertility Wheat Dextrin
Increasing fiber intake helps maintain digestive health.
Wheat dextrin promotes healthy functioning of your digestive system.
Wheat dextrin helps your natural bowel regularity.
Wheat dextrin helps to restore normal digestive health.

Wheat dextrin is a natur
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

Wheat Dextrin
Increasing fiber intake helps maintain digestive health.
Wheat dextrin promotes healthy functioning of your digestive system.
Wheat dextrin helps your natural bowel regularity.
Wheat dextrin helps to restore normal digestive health.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro-intestinal microorganisms
Wheat dextrin is a natural solution when it concerns your digestive health.
Wheat dextrin helps to supplement your daily diet with fiber that is essential to keep your bowel healthy.
Wheat dextrin helps restore your digestive system's natural balance.

Wheat Dextrin
Increasing fiber intake helps maintain digestive health.
Wheat dextrin promotes healthy functioning of your digestive system.
Wheat dextrin helps your natural bowel regularity.
Wheat dextrin helps to restore normal digestive health.
Wheat dextrin is a natural solution when it concerns your digestive health.
Wheat dextrin helps to supplement your daily diet with fiber that is essential to keep your bowel healthy.
Wheat dextrin helps restore your digestive system's natural balance.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal bowel function
Wheat germ oil Necessary for normal growth, wholesome mental and physical development, a healthy nervous system, maintenance of memory and cognitive abilities, particularly in old age Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
contribution to normal cognitive function

Melon extract (containing SOD) /Wheat Gliadin
Quenches excess free radicals such as from pollutants Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
protection of the skin from photooxidative (UVinduced) damage

Wheat germ oil
Relieves painful menstruation Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

Wheat germ oil
Retards the ageing processes Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not sufficiently defined to be able to be assessed and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
protection of cells from premature aging Wheat germ oil Strengthens the digestive system. Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not sufficiently defined to be able to be assessed and the claim could not therefore be substantiated. &quot;digestive system&quot; Wheat germ oil Strengthens the nervous system Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
contribution to normal neurological function

Wheat Dextrin
Wheat dextrin helps to improve the absorption of calcium and magnesium; two minerals that are essential for healthy muscles and bones.
Wheat dextrin improves magnesium and calcium absorption and retention.
Wheat dextrin helps increase the absorption and retention of certain vital nutrients and promotes overall good health.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
increase in magnesium and/or calcium retention

Wheat Dextrin
Wheat dextrin is fermented in the gut leading to the production of the beneficial SCFA.
Wheat dextrin helps promote colon health.
Wheat dextrin nourishes the digestive tract, where 70% of immune function occurs.
Wheat dextrin stimulates the microflora to restore and maintain digestive system's healthy balance.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.
decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro-intestinal microorganisms

Wheat Dextrin
Wheat dextrin is fermented in the gut leading to the production of the beneficial SCFA.
Wheat dextrin helps promote colon health.
Wheat dextrin nourishes the digestive tract, where 70% of immune function occurs.
Wheat dextrin stimulates the microflora to restore and maintain digestive system's healthy balance.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not a beneficial physiological effect as required by the Regulation.
short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in the bowel Wheat dextrin stimulates the microflora (prebiotic effect). Wheat polar lipid extract <p>Contributes to improve skin hydration</p> Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed,this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated Arabinoxylan produced from wheat endosperm Consumption of arabinoxylan as part of a meal contributes to a reduction of the blood glucose rise after that meal The claim may be used only for food which contains at least 8 g of arabinoxylan (AX)-rich fibre produced from wheat endosperm (at least 60 % AX by weight) per 100 g of available carbohydrates in a quantified portion as part of the meal. In order to bear the claim information shall be given to the consumer that the beneficial effect is obtained by consuming the arabinoxylan (AX)-rich fibre produced from wheat endosperm as part of the meal. reduction of post-prandial glycaemic responses

Wheat sprouts
For eye health. Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food has not been substantiated.

maintenance of normal vision Wheat sprouts
Strong plant antioxidant. Protect cells from premature ageing.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not a beneficial physiological effect as required by the Regulation.
Antioxidant, antioxidant content, and antioxidant properties

Wheat sprouts
Strong plant antioxidant. Protect cells from premature ageing.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this claimed effect for this food is not sufficiently defined to be able to be assessed and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.

Protection of cells from premature aging Whole grain foods
People who eat more whole grain foods tend to have a healthier body weight and gain less weight over time (as part of a low fat diet & healthy lifestyle).
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.

Clarifications provided
Consuming whole grain products regulates blood cholesterol level.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.

Clarifications provided
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.

not validated
Whole grain products are characterised by low glycaemic index Diet rich in whole grain diets rich in whole grain foods promote heart health Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.

not validated
Carbohydrate sources with low glycaemic index (GI <55), e.g. legumes, vegetables, whole grain cereals Consumption of low GI (low glycaemic index) foods with in the healthy diet (low glycaemic load -GL) can contribute to the maintenance of the normal blood sugar level, blood lipid level (triglyceride) and body mass.
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.

Wholegrain
Promotes gut activity Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
not validated

Wholegrain
Helps with weight control.
For a long-lasting sense of satiety.

Releases energy slowly
Non-compliance with the Regulation because on the basis of the scientific evidence assessed, this food is not sufficiently characterised for a scientific assessment of this claimed effect and the claim could not therefore be substantiated.
not validated