People rely on nutraceuticals and dietary supplements as part of their everyday health routine, using tablets, capsules, powders and liquids.
These products vary in structure, regulation and health claims but all seek to enhance overall body well-being. Read on to gain more knowledge of these popular items.
Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are foods or food ingredients with additional health benefits beyond their nutritional value, coined by Stephen DeFelice of Cranford’s Foundation for Innovation in Medicine in 1989.
Dietary supplements and herbal preparations may reduce disease risks by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell dysfunction. Furthermore, these products can enhance exercise efficiency while shortening recovery times post-exercise. They may even help postpone aging processes and extend lifespan.
People frequently purchase nutraceuticals at local health food stores because these supplements tend to be less costly and don’t require a valid prescription. It is important to remember, though, that not all nutraceuticals are effective and some can actually cause unwanted side effects if used incorrectly; thus it is recommended to consult a medical professional to identify suitable products that match your individual needs.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are products containing nutrients to enhance overall health or reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, amino acids, and various other ingredients found both naturally in foods or synthetically produced. Dietary supplements are available over-the-counter as tablets, capsules, gummies, powders or liquids – typically recommended by healthcare professionals such as calcium supplements to prevent osteoporosis, iron pills to treat anemia or folic acid to assist fetal development.
However, unlike medicines (drugs), supplements do not need to be subjected to rigorous safety testing before being sold on the market; although the FDA closely monitors adverse event reports and works with companies to pull potentially hazardous products off shelves. As with all dietary supplements, supplements should never replace a varied diet; you should consult with healthcare professional prior to consuming any supplemental product.
Herbal Products
Herbal products are plant-based remedies used to promote or restore health, commonly referred to as botanicals or phytomedicines. Their usage may also be advertised as natural remedies; however, these products haven’t undergone as rigorous of testing as drugs do.
Small studies of herbal preparations have indicated some may help in preventing or treating illnesses, though larger and well-designed trials are needed for any definitive conclusions to be reached. It is important to notify your GP of any herbal products you take or intend on taking, as these could interact with pharmaceutical medications and cause adverse interactions.
Herbs and spices add great flavor to food while providing essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids – they may also help reduce salt intake! But herbs and spices should not be used as a replacement for a balanced diet, since many herbs interact with heart medications and other prescription/OTC medications in unpredictable ways, possibly leading to high blood pressure or bleeding complications.
Fortified Foods
Fortified foods can enhance their nutritional value. Manufacturers can add vitamins, mineral nutrients and amino acids voluntarily or due to government regulations and standards.
Many countries now mandate food producers to fortify foods like flour and rice with essential nutrients like iron, zinc and folic acid in order to prevent and address global population nutrient deficiency issues. This helps combat global population malnutrition.
Fortified foods can fill in gaps in a child’s dietary intake, especially pregnant/ breastfeeding women, those on restricted calorie diets, vegetarians/vegans who may not be getting enough essential nutrients from other sources.
Fortified foods contain vitamins and minerals added through chemical processes that do not alter their taste, texture or appearance. Furthermore, bioavailable nutrients are easily absorbed by our bodies unlike some supplements which may cause harm if taken excessively. Furthermore, fortification processes are eco-friendly and cost effective.
