nutraceutica

Nutraceuticals are food or parts of food that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. The term "nutraceutical" was coined in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine. It is a portmanteau of "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical." These products can range from isolated nutrients and dietary supplements to genetically modified foods and processed foods fortified with beneficial ingredients. The primary goal of nutraceuticals is to improve health and wellness, often by targeting specific physiological functions or conditions. They are distinct from conventional foods in that they are often marketed for their therapeutic properties, though they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease as drugs are. The scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of many nutraceuticals varies, and research is ongoing to better understand their mechanisms of action and health impacts. Regulatory oversight for nutraceuticals can differ significantly from that for pharmaceuticals, often falling under food and dietary supplement regulations.