Nutraceuticals are characterized as ‘specially designed preparations’, formulated with the aim of fulfilling specific dietary requirements and/or offering preventive health care.
Nutraceuticals are the formulation of nutrient/nutrients which help in prevention and treatment of some diseases, in addition to a supplement diet. Nutraceutical is a term given by Dr. Stephen De Felice in 1989 and came from two words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”. These are foods or a part of foods that are beneficial in providing various health benefits including the treatment and/or prevention of the disease.
Terms ‘nutraceuticals’, ‘food supplements’, ‘dietary supplements’ have evolved after the concept was originated by Dr. De Felice. There is no sharp demarcation between food supplements and nutraceuticals given by regulatory authorities. Literature of recent years emphasizes redefining the concept of nutraceuticals, taking into consideration the efficacy, safety and toxicity of these products.
Food products are nourishing substances that are eaten, drunk or otherwise taken to sustain life, provide energy and promote growth. Currently, isolation of nutrients from these food products are well recognized and used. The starting point to differentiate food/dietary supplements and nutraceuticals is the identification of an epidemiological target, followed by safety and efficacy studies that understand the mechanism of action. One approach to differentiate these two types of formulations is describing ‘food supplements’ as agents to compensate deficiencies in micro- or macronutrients; in addition, the use of a “nutraceutical” in the treatment of a pathological disease must be supported by strong scientific evidence [1].
With adequate clinical evidence, nutritional supplements should have a strong safety profile with few undesirable side effects and better bioavailability. There is a very fine line of demarcation between two type of formulations: the same ingredients may work as a nutraceutical or food supplement, but may be demarcated on the basis of claims.
By prolonging or eliminating the need for pharmaceuticals in subjects to fit for an alternative nonpharmacological treatment to a pathological condition, the incorporation of nutraceuticals into daily diet may aid in the prevention of pathological disorders. There are claims that foods including spices and herbs possess the tendency to decrease the risk of many diseases and can be highly beneficial in improving the quality of life [2].
There is a plethora of benefits that nutraceuticals have provided, including their promising results in the prevention and treatment of complicated diseases. However, there is a need of administration and prescription of nutraceuticals and they should be strictly regulated in order to prevent their uncontrollable use and side effects [3]. Several researchers have studied drug compound-based nutraceuticals to improve efficacy as well as bioavailability.
The safety and efficacy of various statins have been used in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases even in pregnant women. Nutraceuticals with an effective safety profile and well-established impact on pregnancy might be a suitable therapeutic option for preventing diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders, or as an adjuvant to therapy with standard medications. Calcium, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, folic acid, resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, zinc, inositol, and probiotic supplements are potentially proven candidates as novel nutraceuticals [4]. Researchers have evaluated the nutraceutical associated with the drug compound ezetimibe for patients at risk of elevations of statin level, which further leads to cardiovascular diseases [5]. The use of a novel nutraceutical in blend with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been proven a potential candidate for osteoarthritis, thus improving its efficacy and safety for commercial use [6].
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