The claimed effect is “significant effect on building of hair and nails”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. The Panel considers that maintenance of normal hair is a beneficial physiological effect.
Clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency include various epithelial lesions. After the onset of dermatitis, the hair may become hypopigmented and acquire a reddish hue. Patchy loss of hair is a feature of zinc deficiency.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of zinc and maintenance of normal hair. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of zinc leading to impaired maintenance of normal hair occurs in the general EU population.