What Are Nutraceuticals?

Nutraceuticals refer to substances that are considered foods and nutrient supplements that have many health benefits over and above satisfying the basic nutritional requirements. They can be dietary supplements, foods with particular functions, or foods used as medicine. This term was invented by Stephen DeFelice in 1989 to summon the connection between “nutrition” and "pharmaceuticals," showing how these foods act like drugs can heal too. ⁽¹⁾

Nutraceuticals encompass all categories, such as dietary supplements, functional foods, and medical foods, among others. They originate from natural products with advocacy for the prevention or cure of some diseases, hence their place in the present-day health care system. ⁽²⁾

Types of Nutraceuticals

Based on their source, composition, and health applications, nutraceuticals are classified into many categories:

• Dietary Supplements: They are made up of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. They are available in capsule and tablet forms, as well as powders and liquids.
• Functional Foods: There are extra nutrients or active compounds in these foods. They include items such as: probiotic yogurts, vitamins added to cereals, and omega-3s added to eggs.
• Medical Foods: The foods for special medical purposes are strictly designed for dietary management with specific health conditions, and this is to be done by the healthcare professionals. Examples are tube-feeding supplements and special metabolic formulas.

The Science Behind Nutraceuticals

Research suggests that nutraceuticals affect health. Fish oil has unsaturated fatty acids, and research conducted showed that the substance can lower inflammation and enhance the heart’s health. They have well articulated how this agent makes a difference in the gut health status of the individuals. Research indicates that antioxidants, including vitamin C and vitamin E, reduce oxidative stress and thus greatly reduced probabilities of chronic diseases. ⁽²⁾

Bioavailability and Absorption

Nutraceuticals heavily depend on bioavailability. Bioavailability is a measure of how well active ingredients are taken up by the body and transported to sites of action. Bioavailability can be affected by various things, such as the method used in manufacturing, dosage size, and metabolism in the body. Take an illustration with liposomal formulas, for instance, which may assist in enhancing nutrient uptake within your system. (2)

Benefits of Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals offer potential health benefits, including:

• Disease prevention: Nutraceuticals have effects on reducing the probabilities of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes as long-term diseases. They do this by supplying helpful vitamins and antioxidants that protect cells from destruction. ^(3),(4)
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: They help to combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. They are also linked to chronic diseases and the ageing process. ^(5),(6)
• Immune system support: Nutraceuticals have an impact on boosting the body's defenses. They do this by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and compounds that strengthen the immune system. This helps to shield the body from sickness and infection. ⁽⁷⁾
• Digestive health: Some supplements improve digestive wellness. They help good bacteria grow, make digestion easier, and ease the discomfort of gut problems. ⁽⁸⁾

Safety and Regulation

Although nutraceuticals may offer health benefits, it's crucial to ensure their safety and proper regulation.

The rules for nutraceuticals vary a lot between countries. In the US, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) makes producers ensure their products are safe before selling them. The FDA can step in to deal with dangerous products after they hit the shelves. On the flip side, places like Canada and Australia treat nutraceuticals just like medicines, with tight controls.

India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) keeps an eye on nutraceuticals under the Food Safety and Standards Act, but they're still working out the details of the rules. To cut down on the risks of using nutraceuticals, people should be careful, talk to their doctors, and go for products from trusted brands.

Market Trends and Future Directions of Nutraceuticals

The nutraceutical business is growing, thanks to people caring more about their health and an older population. Some of the biggest trends include custom-made nutrition plans, foods with added benefits, and a focus on boosting immune health and keeping the gut happy. Looking ahead, the industry aims to back up claims with more science, team up with digital health tools, and find sustainable ways to source ingredients. Experts think this field will see a big jump in growth, hitting $703 billion by 2033. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Takeaway

Nutraceuticals give us a good way to boost health and stop disease. As we learn more about food and how it affects our health, nutraceuticals are set to have a bigger and more key part in keeping us healthy. However, we must use them to supplement a healthy diet and lifestyle. Nutraceuticals turn an age-old food-health mix into a high-flying potion, and that is strong enough to make them the favorite ailment-battler of the health world. Speak to a doctor before you begin taking any new medication.

People can make smarter choices about their health and well-being if they grasp the basics of nutraceuticals.

Nutraceuticals can't replace a healthy diet, but they can be a helpful addition to an overall health plan. As the nutraceutical field grows more research will show their possible benefits and uses in healthcare and preventing diseases.

References

1. DeFelice, S. L. (1995). The nutraceutical revolution: Its impact on food industry R&D. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 6(2), 59-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-2244(00)88944-X
2. AlAli M, Alqubaisy M, Aljaafari MN, AlAli AO, Baqais L, Molouki A, Abushelaibi A, Lai K-S, Lim S-HE. Nutraceuticals: Transformation of Conventional Foods into Health Promoters/Disease Preventers and Safety Considerations. Molecules. 2021; 26(9):2540. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092540
3. Das, S. K., et al. (2012). Nutraceuticals: The future medicine.
4. Sachdeva, S., et al. (2020). Nutraceuticals: A boon for human health.
5. Nasri, H., et al. (2014). Nutraceuticals: A review of their potential health benefits.
6. Zhou, K., et al. (2020). Nutraceuticals: A promising approach for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
7. Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Nutraceuticals and the immune system.
8. Ansari, M. A., et al. (2013). Nutraceuticals: A review of their role in human health.
9. FDA error. (n.d.). FDA. https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements#:~:text=That%20means%20that%20these%20firms,that%20they%20meet%20all%20the 
10. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/nutraceuticals-market