Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to iron and contribution to normal cognitive development pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from IDACE, submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to iron and contribution to normal cognitive development. The food constituent, iron, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. Contribution to normal cognitive development is a beneficial physiological effect for infants and young children. A claim on iron and cognitive development in children (up to 18 years) has already been assessed with a favourable outcome. The Panel notes that the role of iron in normal cognitive development also applies to infants and young children (from birth to three years). The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between dietary intake of iron and contribution to normal cognitive development. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Iron contributes to normal cognitive development”. The target population is infants and children up to three years