Nutraceutical: Medicine of Futures

The new lifestyle that has been established due to economic growth and globalizations has witnessed an upsurge in lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. The indulgence in fast food and other junk foods together with a sedentary life have been causative factors of these diseases. Nutraceuticals, coined as a merger of “nutrition” and “pharmaceuticals,” may provide a breakthrough solution to reverse the situation. These foods, some of which involve herbal extracts, dietary supplements, and functional foods, provide added health benefits to the mere function of sustenance. By their provision of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive components, nutraceuticals contribute to preventing certain chronic diseases, enhancing general wellness, and augmenting the structural and functional body processes. Examples of classifications that nutraceuticals belong to are foods with functions, dietary supplements, medicinal foods, herbal products, prebiotics and probiotics, and specialty products. Antioxidant-rich nutraceuticals are important for diminishing inflammation, modifying gene expression, and quenching free-radicals. They support multiple health outcomes including prevention of chronic disease, improved skin, immune function, and improved aging. Looking to the future nutraceuticals will focus on personalized nutrition, sustainable and plant-based ingredients, functional foods, immune support, gut health and the microbiome, adaptogens for stress management, more innovative delivery methods, keeping up with the regulatory environment, understanding implications for digital health, and wellness. As the number of consumers looking to improve their health and well-being increase, it is important that products in the nutraceuticals space are not just safe and effective, but also of the highest quality.