2. INTRODUCTION
In the simplest sense , food is fuel which provides
all the energy needed to perform daily functions
and maintain normal metabolic processes.
The food is more than fuel as it contains nutrients
that are essential to prevent diseases.
So many components found in foods are being
investigated to determine what role they play in
maintaining health and reducing the risk of the
disease.
3. The term'nutraceutical'is a combination of two
words meaning'nutrient'(a nourishing food )and
'Pharmaceutical'(medical drug),is a food or food
product that provides health and medical benefits,
including prevention and treatment of disease.
The idea behind the use of NUTRACEUTICALS is
that organic extracts can have positive benefits on
both mind and body , altogether curing many
ailments.
4. DEFINITION
The term, Nutraceutical was introduced and
originally defined by Dr.Stephen L DeFelice(1989),a
doctor and founder director and chairman of New
York's Foundation for innovation in Medicine
(FIM),New Jersey.
He defined Nutraceutical as "any substance that is
a food or a part of food that provides medical or
health benefits, including the prevention and
treatment of a disease".
5. HISTORY
The traditional medicines are based largely on the
use of plant materials.
Eg:Chinese medicine, East Indian Ayurvedic
medicine, European folk medicine and North
American medicine are based largely on the use of
plant materials or botanical materials for the
treatment of disease and the maintenance of
health.
6. CLASSIFICATION
The term,nutraceuticals is broader in its
perspective and is used to describe any product
derived from food sources that provides extra
health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional
value found in foods.
These products prevent chronic diseases, improve
health ,delay the aging process and also increases
life expectancy.
Nutraceuticals are classified into four types.They
are:
8. 1.DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS :
A dietary supplement is a product that contains
nutrients derived from food products that are
concentrated in either liquid or capsule form.
The dietary ingredients in these products
include:Vitamins, Minerals,Herbals or botanicals,
Amino acids, Enzymes,Organ tissues, glandular
tissues,extracts,tablets,capsules etc.....
These products should have a label and have to be
approved by the FDA.
9. 2.FUNCTIONAL FOODS :
The term functional foods was first used in Japan in the 1980's and
there is a government approval for functional foods called FOSHU
(Foods for Specified Health Use).
These foods contain bioactive compound which is demonstrated to
have physiological benefits and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
These are designed to allow the consumers to eat enriched foods
rather than taking dietary supplements manufactured in liquid or
capsule form.
The foods have been enriched by a process called nitrification,which
restores the nutrient content in a food,when processed.
Examples of functional foods include Soya,oats, Flaxseeds,grape
juice, vegetables,eggs etc......
10. 3.MEDICAL FOODS :
FDA considers medical foods to be"formulated to be
consumed internally under the supervision of a
physician,which is intended for specific dietary
management of a disease or condition for which
distinctive nutritional requirements,on the basis of
recognised scientific principles.
These foods are designed to meet certain nutritional
requirements for people diagnosed with specific
illness and these are regulated by FDA and are
prescribed by medical supervision.
11. 4.FARMACEUTICALS :
FARMACEUTICALS is a term that includes "farm" and
pharmaceuticals and refers to "medically valuable
compounds produced from modified agricultural crops or
animals".
The list of foods with reported medicinal value are
represented by antioxidants like resveratrol from red
grape,flavonoids from citrus,tea and wine,dark chocolate
foods etc.....
During the past 30 years ,more than 35000 novel marine
natural products have been isolated and structurally
identified and most lot these exhibit bioactivity that
suggests their potential as new drugs.
