Nutraceutical Ingredients are substances that are derived from food and are used to enhance health and wellness. They can come in the form of vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other dietary supplements. These ingredients are intended to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving physical performance, and promoting overall well-being. Nutraceuticals can be used in a variety of ways, including as dietary supplements in pill or powder form, as functional foods (such as fortified cereals), or as ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products.
They are regulated differently in different countries, with some countries requiring pre-approval for use in food products, while others classify nutraceuticals as food rather than drugs. One of the key benefits of Nutraceutical Ingredients is that they can provide specific health benefits in a concentrated form. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils, have been shown to have heart-healthy benefits, while probiotics, found in yogurt and other fermented foods, have been shown to support digestive health.
