Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to beta-carotene and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 19, 197, 1262, 1460), protection of the skin from UV-induced (including photo-oxidative) damage (ID 178, 197, 1263, 1461, 1968, 2320) and maintenance of the normal function of the immune system (ID 200, 1462) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

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 beta-carotene and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage, protection of the skin from UV-induced (including photo-oxidative) damage and maintenance of the normal function of the immune system. 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 beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and is a well recognised dietary constituent, which is measurable in foods by established methods. The Panel considers that beta-carotene is sufficiently characterise