This document provides an overview of nutraceuticals, including definitions, classifications, advantages, and clinical uses. Key points include:
- Nutraceuticals are food or food components that provide health benefits for preventing or treating disease.
- Major classifications include nutrients, herbals, and dietary supplements like probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants.
- Advantages are their safety, lower costs than pharmaceuticals, and ability to contribute to disease prevention and treatment through functional food components.
- Clinical uses discussed are for conditions like antibiotic-associated diarrhea, lactose intolerance, Helicobacter pylori infections, and hypercholesterolemia.