The FAR2CT formula: A novel scoring system for evaluating functional food efficacy from bioactive potential to clinical relevance

The rapid growth of functional foods and nutraceuticals has outpaced the development of standardized tools to evaluate their efficacy and clinical relevance. To address this gap, we propose the Fahrul–Antonello–Raymond Assessment for Clinical Translation (FAR 2 CT) formula, a novel scoring system that integrates bioactive potential (P), preclinical response (R), and clinical relevance (C) into a weighted efficacy score (E = 0.4P + 0.35R + 0.25C). This score is further adjusted by safety, study quality, and scalability (S, Q, G) to ensure real-world applicability. Application of FAR 2 CT to Echinacea purpurea , bitter melon ( Momordica charantia ), and seaweed ( Caulerpa racemosa ) demonstrated distinct evidence maturity, with adjusted scores of 2.5, 1.8, and 1.3, respectively. By translating complex evidence into a transparent score, FAR 2 CT offers researchers, regulators, and the industry a practical framework to guide evidence-based policy, health claims approval, and R&D prioritization, accelerating the translation of nutritional science into public health benefits. • Introduces FAR 2 CT, a novel formula for functional food efficacy evaluation. • Integrates bioactive, preclinical, and clinical evidence into a weighted score. • Adjusts efficacy with safety, study quality, and scalability for real-world use. • Case studies show distinct readiness: Echinacea , bitter melon, seaweed. • Provides a practical tool for guiding policy, R&D, and health claim approval.