Exploring Nutraceuticals: The Supplements That Go Beyond Basic Nutrition!!

 

Nutraceuticals are natural, bioactive compounds found in food that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The term "Nutraceutical" was first coined in 1989 by Dr. Stephen DeFelice, from "Nutrition & Pharmaceutical" who defined it as "a food or part of a food that provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease."

Nutraceuticals can include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and other natural substances that are believed to have health-promoting effects. These compounds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, and their popularity has grown in recent years as people have become more interested in natural and holistic approaches to health.

Nutraceutical is sometimes used interchangeably with the terms functional food and dietary supplement, though there are distinctions. Functional foods are foods normally consumed in the diet that have scientifically assessed health benefits. Dietary supplements are ingestible preparations purposefully added to the diet to benefit health but are not necessarily derived from foods. Nutraceuticals, on the other hand, are products with biological functions that are derived only from foods. Similar to dietary supplements, they generally are consumed in a form that resembles a medicinal product, and they usually are sold over-the-counter (OTC). These distinctions, however, are complicated by the fact that many substances fall within all three categories. For example, beta-carotene occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables, and grains but is also manufactured and sold as a dietary supplement and as a nutraceutical.

There are various types of nutraceuticals, including:

#Functional foods: These are foods that have been fortified or enhanced with specific nutrients or bioactive compounds that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Examples include fortified cereals, probiotic yogurt, and energy bars, snack chips made from nutrient-dense ingredients like kale or quinoa.

#Dietary supplements: These are products that are taken orally and contain one or more dietary ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and other botanicals.

(Vitamins and minerals - Nutrients that are essential for good health, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium. Omega-3 fatty acids - Fatty acids found in fish and other sources are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Probiotics - Live microorganisms that are believed to promote gut health and support the immune system. Antioxidants - Compounds found in fruits and vegetables that are believed to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Plant extracts - Extracts from plants such as ginseng and turmeric that are believed to have a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving cognitive function.)

#Medical foods: These are specially formulated foods that are intended for use under medical supervision to manage specific health conditions or diseases. Examples include formulas for people with metabolic disorders or conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.

#Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals: These are products that combine the benefits of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. They contain bioactive compounds that provide health benefits when applied topically, such as antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Overall, the types of nutraceuticals vary widely and include a range of products designed to support health and wellness through specific nutrients or bioactive compounds.

What are the advantages of nutraceuticals?

1. The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a large increase in demand for vitamins and minerals, and individuals are taking items that promote immunity to ensure protection from chronic and infectious diseases.

2. Nutraceuticals can support the structure and functionality of the body, enhance health, slow down the aging process, prevent chronic diseases, and increase life expectancy. Also, they help to prevent and treat illnesses and concerns related to mental health.

3. These supplements assist the body in meeting its nutritional requirements, thereby bolstering the immune system, as our lifestyle and eating habits have changed. By offering a balanced diet, nutritional supplements assist us in improving our general health. It increases our body's nutritious worth and aids in mental and physical development.

4. Several forms of nutraceuticals, mainly those from the Vitamin B category, can assist us to increase our energy levels. You can maintain your activity level by taking vitamin D. Vegetarians and vegans should consume more B-12, which is primarily found in meat.

5. It has been shown that dietary supplements can help treat dangerous diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Supplements like fiber support the maintenance of open arteries. Maintaining a healthy weight and taking in the right diet can also help someone with diabetes.

Current State:

The global nutraceuticals market size was USD 320 billion in 2020 and is predicted to grow from USD 352.92 billion in 2021 to USD 658.11 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 9.3% during the 2021-2028 period. The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to the growth of the nutraceuticals industry, as people have become more concerned about their health and are seeking out products that can boost their immune systems and overall well-being. There are a variety of nutraceutical products on the market, including dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages. These products are regulated by the FDA in the United States, which requires that they be safe for consumption and that any health claims made about them be backed by scientific evidence.

 Future of Nutraceuticals:

The future of the nutraceuticals industry looks bright, as more and more consumers are turning to natural and organic products for their health needs. The use of nutraceuticals is also becoming more mainstream, as doctors and healthcare providers are beginning to recognize their potential benefits.

 One of the key areas of growth in the nutraceuticals industry is personalized nutrition, which involves using genetic testing and other tools to develop personalized supplements and dietary plans based on an individual's unique genetic makeup and health needs. This approach has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about nutrition and health and could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for a variety of health conditions.

Conclusion

Nutraceuticals are a rapidly growing industry that offers a range of health benefits for consumers. As people become more interested in natural and holistic approaches to health, the demand for nutraceutical products is likely to continue to grow. With ongoing research and development, we can expect to see new and innovative nutraceutical products emerge that will help people lead healthier, happier lives.