Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to a combination of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-1688 and Lactobacillus salivarius CNCM I-1794 and reduction of gastro-intestinal discomfort (ID 2972), decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro-intestinal microorganisms (ID 2972), improved lactose digestion (ID 2972) and increasing IL-10 production (ID 2973) (further assessment) 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 (NDA) was asked to provide a scientific opinion on health claims pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 in the framework of further assessment related to a combination of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-1688 and Lactobacillus salivarius CNCM I-1794 and reduction of gastro-intestinal discomfort, decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro-intestinal microorganisms, improved lactose digestion and increasing IL-10 production. The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims, a combination of L. paracasei CNCM I-1688 and L. salivarius CNCM I-1794, is sufficiently characterised. The evidence provided did not establish that the proposed claimed effect, increasing IL-10 production, is a beneficial physiological effect. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of a combination of L. paracasei CNCM I-1688 and L. salivarius CNCM I-1794 and a beneficial physiological effect related to an increase in IL-10 production. The claimed effect, reduction of gastro-intestinal discomfort, is a beneficial physiological effect for the general population. The claimed effect, decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro-intestinal microorganisms, might be a beneficial physiological effect for the general population. The claimed effect, improved lactose digestion, is a beneficial physiological effect for individuals with lactose maldigestion. No human intervention studies were provided from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the above-mentioned claims. On the basis of the data provided, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of a combination of L. paracasei CNCM I-1688 and L. salivarius CNCM I-1794 and reduction of gastro-intestinal discomfort, decreasing potentially pathogenic gastro-intestinal microorganisms and improved lactose digestion.