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PASSCLAIM - Physical performance and fitness
Wim H M Saris1, Jean-Michel Antoine, Fred Brouns
1Maastricht University, Nutrition Research Centre, Dept. of Human Biology, P. O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. W.SARIS@hb.unimaas.nl
European Journal of Nutrition
|March 29, 2003
Summary
This study reviews methods for assessing food claims related to physical performance. It identifies key physiological functions and evaluates scientific evidence to support these health claims.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Sports Science
- Food Science
Background:
- The European Commission's PASSCLAIM project aimed to standardize methods for evaluating food-related health claims.
- Assessing scientific support for function-enhancing food claims requires robust methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing methods for evaluating physical performance and fitness parameters.
- To support claims on foods and food ingredients intended to enhance specific physiological functions.
Main Methods:
- Inventory of claims on sport nutrition products to identify relevant physiological functions.
- Critical review and suitability assessment of existing methodologies for each function.
Main Results:
- Seven key physiological functions were identified: strength, endurance, energy supply, recovery, hydration, flexibility, tissue growth, antioxidant capacity, and immune function.
- Methodologies for each function were evaluated for their ability to support physiological function claims.
Conclusions:
- A database of methods, including their pros and cons, was created to assess scientific support for food claims.
- This work will inform guidelines for evaluating enhanced function or reduced disease risk claims on foods.