15.1 Functional foods and nutraceuticals
3 min read•august 7, 2024
and are revolutionizing how we think about nutrition. These products go beyond basic sustenance, offering extra health perks through special ingredients or added nutrients.
From probiotic yogurt to omega-3 eggs, these foods are changing grocery stores. But it's not just about adding stuff to food. Scientists are figuring out how our bodies use these nutrients to keep us healthy.
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
Defining Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
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- Functional foods provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition due to the presence of
- Nutraceuticals are isolated bioactive compounds sold in medicinal forms (capsules, tablets, powders)
- Nutraceuticals are used to prevent or treat specific diseases or health conditions
- Examples of functional foods include probiotic yogurt, omega-3 enriched eggs, and fortified breakfast cereals
Health Claims and Regulatory Aspects
- Health claims on functional foods and nutraceuticals must be supported by scientific evidence
- Health claims are regulated by government agencies (FDA in the United States, EFSA in Europe)
- Different levels of health claims exist, such as nutrient content claims, structure/function claims, and disease risk reduction claims
- Regulatory aspects ensure the safety, efficacy, and proper labeling of functional foods and nutraceuticals
- Regulations vary by country and are constantly evolving as new research emerges
Bioactive Compounds
Types of Bioactive Compounds
- Bioactive compounds are naturally occurring substances in foods that provide health benefits
- Examples of bioactive compounds include (flavonoids, phenolic acids), (beta-carotene, lycopene), and
- Bioactive compounds can act as , anti-inflammatory agents, or have other specific biological activities
- The health effects of bioactive compounds depend on their and interactions with other nutrients
Probiotics and Prebiotics
- are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts
- Common probiotic strains include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species
- Probiotics can improve gut health, boost immune function, and alleviate symptoms of certain digestive disorders (irritable bowel syndrome)
- are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria
- Examples of prebiotics include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
- are products that combine probiotics and prebiotics for synergistic health effects
Antioxidants and Their Health Benefits
- Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress
- Examples of dietary antioxidants include vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and polyphenols
- Antioxidants may help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders
- The health benefits of antioxidants depend on factors such as dosage, bioavailability, and interactions with other nutrients
- Consuming a variety of antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) is recommended over relying on supplements
Fortification and Bioavailability
Food Fortification Strategies
- involves adding nutrients to foods to improve their nutritional value and prevent deficiencies
- Examples of commonly fortified foods include iodized salt, vitamin D-fortified milk, and iron-fortified flour
- Fortification strategies can target specific populations (pregnant women, children) or be implemented on a population-wide scale
- Fortification has been successful in reducing the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies (iodine deficiency disorders, neural tube defects)
- Challenges in fortification include ensuring the stability and bioavailability of added nutrients, as well as monitoring and evaluating fortification programs
Bioavailability of Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds
- Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient or bioactive compound that is absorbed and utilized by the body
- Factors affecting bioavailability include the food matrix, processing methods, and individual variations in absorption and metabolism
- Strategies to enhance bioavailability include food processing techniques (fermentation, sprouting), nutrient interactions (vitamin C and iron absorption), and delivery systems (nanoencapsulation)
- Understanding bioavailability is crucial for optimizing the health benefits of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and fortified products
- Research on bioavailability helps inform the design and development of effective functional food and nutraceutical products
Key Terms to Review (23)
Anti-inflammatory properties: Anti-inflammatory properties refer to the ability of certain foods, compounds, or substances to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties often contribute to overall health by supporting immune function and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals leading to cell damage. They play a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to various diseases and aging. By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants contribute to the health benefits of many plant-based foods, vitamins, and minerals, highlighting their importance in diet and nutrition.
Bioactive compounds: Bioactive compounds are naturally occurring chemical substances in foods that have an effect on living organisms, tissues, or cells. They play a crucial role in human health by influencing various biological processes and can contribute to the prevention of diseases. Many of these compounds, such as phytochemicals, are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and are linked to the concept of functional foods and nutraceuticals, which aim to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Bioavailability: Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient or bioactive compound that is absorbed and utilized by the body after it has been consumed. It is crucial because it determines how effectively nutrients and phytochemicals can exert their beneficial effects, impacting everything from nutrient deficiencies to health outcomes. Factors affecting bioavailability include the chemical form of the nutrient, food matrix, presence of other compounds, and individual digestive health.
Carotenoids: Carotenoids are a class of pigments found naturally in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, responsible for the vibrant red, orange, and yellow colors in many fruits and vegetables. They play an essential role as antioxidants, contributing to human health by supporting immune function and eye health, and they are also considered important phytochemicals and bioactive compounds.
Cholesterol reduction: Cholesterol reduction refers to the process of lowering the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Achieving cholesterol reduction can involve dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and the use of functional foods and nutraceuticals that are designed to support heart health and improve overall wellness.
Clinical trials: Clinical trials are research studies conducted with human participants to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and side effects of new drugs, treatments, or medical devices. These trials are essential for determining how functional foods and nutraceuticals can impact health, guiding their approval and use in promoting wellness.
Dietary supplements: Dietary supplements are products designed to add nutritional value to the diet, containing ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. These supplements come in various forms like tablets, capsules, powders, or liquids and are often used to enhance overall health or target specific health issues. They can also be viewed as functional foods or nutraceuticals due to their potential health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
FDA Regulations: FDA regulations are the set of rules and guidelines established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure the safety, efficacy, and security of food products and other consumables. These regulations play a crucial role in the food industry, influencing everything from production processes to packaging and labeling, ensuring that products are safe for public consumption while also addressing issues like health claims in functional foods.
Fortification: Fortification refers to the process of adding essential nutrients to food products to enhance their nutritional value, aiming to prevent deficiencies in specific populations. This process not only improves the overall health of individuals by providing key vitamins and minerals but also plays a significant role in public health initiatives. Fortification can involve the addition of nutrients such as iron, calcium, or vitamins A and D to commonly consumed foods, which can help address dietary gaps and improve overall nutritional status.
Functional foods: Functional foods are foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often containing bioactive compounds that promote well-being and reduce the risk of disease. These foods play a key role in modern diets as they can enhance health and prevent chronic conditions, connecting closely to the presence of phytochemicals, beneficial microorganisms, and the growing field of nutraceuticals, while also reflecting advancements in food science and technology throughout history.
GRAS Status: GRAS status stands for 'Generally Recognized As Safe.' It refers to substances added to food that experts consider safe based on a long history of common use in food or based on scientific evidence. This status is significant in the food industry as it influences the approval and regulation of ingredients, especially sweeteners, minimal processing techniques, preservation technologies, and functional foods.
Meta-analysis: Meta-analysis is a statistical technique that combines the results of multiple scientific studies to identify patterns, discrepancies, or overall effects. This method enhances the ability to draw broader conclusions by integrating data from various sources, allowing for a more robust understanding of specific effects, such as those related to functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources that provide health benefits in addition to basic nutrition. They include a range of bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and other substances that can promote health or prevent diseases. This term is essential for understanding the roles of functional foods and their historical context in food science.
Nutrient Synergy: Nutrient synergy refers to the phenomenon where different nutrients work together to enhance each other's effects, leading to greater health benefits than when they are consumed individually. This concept highlights the importance of a balanced diet, where the interactions between various nutrients can amplify their effectiveness, especially in functional foods and nutraceuticals, which are designed to provide health-promoting properties.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that play crucial roles in human health, particularly in cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation reduction. These fatty acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet, primarily from sources like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Their significance extends beyond basic nutrition to areas like functional foods and historical food science developments, highlighting their importance in dietary recommendations and health innovations.
Phytosterols: Phytosterols are plant-derived compounds that structurally resemble cholesterol and are found in various foods such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. They play a significant role in promoting heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and may also contribute to the overall health benefits associated with functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Polyphenols: Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, characterized by their multiple phenolic structures. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Polyphenols contribute to the color, flavor, and disease resistance of plants and play a significant role in functional foods and nutraceuticals due to their bioactive properties.
Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that promote the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. They serve as food for probiotics, supporting a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall digestive health and can influence various bodily functions, including immune response and metabolism.
Preventive health: Preventive health refers to measures and practices aimed at preventing illness and promoting overall well-being before health issues arise. This concept emphasizes the importance of a proactive approach to health, encouraging individuals to engage in healthy lifestyle choices, screenings, and vaccinations. By focusing on prevention, individuals can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and enhance their quality of life.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms, typically bacteria or yeast, that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They play a significant role in supporting gut health and are often found in fermented foods and dietary supplements. The increasing focus on functional foods and nutraceuticals highlights the importance of probiotics in promoting overall well-being and their historical development reflects the long-standing human interest in food as a source of health.
Synbiotics: Synbiotics are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that work together to improve gut health and overall well-being. Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed these good bacteria. By pairing them, synbiotics enhance the survival and effectiveness of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to better digestion and nutrient absorption.
Wellness enhancement: Wellness enhancement refers to the use of specific foods or dietary supplements that promote overall health, prevent disease, and improve physical and mental well-being. This concept is closely linked to functional foods and nutraceuticals, which are products designed to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. By incorporating wellness-enhancing items into one's diet, individuals can support their body's natural processes and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases.