PASSCLAIM - Physical performance and fitness.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the EC Concerted Action PASSCLAIM was to develop a set of methods and procedures for assessing the scientific support for function-enhancing and health-related claims for foods and food components. This paper presents a critical review of the existing methods to evaluate the different aspects of physical performance and fitness needed to support claims on foods and food ingredients intended to enhance specific physiological functions.


RESULTS
Based on an inventory of labelling claims on available sport nutrition products, seven physiological functions in the field of physical performance and fitness were identified: 1) strength and power, 2) endurance, energy supply and recovery, 3) hydration/re-hydration, 4) flexibility, 5) tissue growth, 6) free radical scavenger capacity and 7) immune function. For each function the existing methodology was reviewed critically and judged on suitability to generate scientific support for physiological function claims on foods.


CONCLUSIONS
A database of methods including advantages and disadvantages of use has been generated for considering the scientific support of claims on foods and food ingredients relating to physical performance and fitness. It will contribute to the formulations of guidelines for assessing the scientific support of enhanced function or reduced disease risk claims on foods.
Saris
Wim H M
WH
Maastricht University, Nutrition Research Centre, Dept. of Human Biology, P. O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. W.SARIS@hb.unimaas.nl
Antoine
Jean-Michel
JM
Brouns
Fred
F
Fogelholm
Michael
M
Gleeson
Mike
M
Hespel
Peter
P
Jeukendrup
Asker E
AE
Maughan
Ron J
RJ
Pannemans
Daphne
D
Stich
Vladimir
V
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000592:standards; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005502:Food / Q000592:standards*; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D018583:Pliability
D015415:Biomarkers