nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals is a term used to describe foods or food-derived products that are believed to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The word combines nutrition and pharmaceutical and was popularized by Stephen L. DeFelice in 1989. In practice, nutraceuticals may include dietary supplements, functional or fortified foods, and certain medical foods that are intended to support health or reduce disease risk rather than to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Common forms include dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, and probiotics; functional foods designed to offer a health benefit beyond their basic nutritional value; and fortified foods enriched with nutrients or bioactive compounds. Prototypes often cited include omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, probiotics, and certain phytochemicals like curcumin or catechins.

Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, with manufacturers responsible for safety and truthful labeling; the FDA does not approve supplements before they reach the market, and claims cannot assert disease treatment without regulatory authorization. Medical foods are regulated separately under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. In the European Union, health claims require assessment and authorization by regulatory authorities, with standards differing by member state.

Efficacy and safety evidence ranges from promising to limited and controversial. Some nutraceuticals have demonstrated benefits in specific contexts, while others lack robust clinical support. Concerns include variable product quality, potential interactions with medications, and the risk of overreliance as substitutes for medical care. Consumers are advised to consult health professionals, verify quality, and consider evidence and dosing before use.