Role of Nutraceuticals in Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Disease Management

Rachael Gorman

doi:10.36648/ipctn.9.5.72

Role of Nutraceuticals in Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Disease Management

Rachael Gorman

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville, Canada

Published Date: 2024-10-24
DOI10.36648/ipctn.9.5.72

Rachael Gorman^*

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville, Canada

*Corresponding Author:: Rachael Gorman
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Acadia University, Wolfville,
Canada,
E-mail: gorman.rachel919@gmail.com

Received date: September 23, 2024, Manuscript No. IPCTN-24-19938; Editor assigned date: September 26, 2024, PreQC No. IPCTN-24-19938 (PQ); Reviewed date: October 10, 2024, QC No. IPCTN-24-19938; Revised date: October 17, 2024, Manuscript No. IPCTN-24-19938 (R); Published date: October 24, 2024, DOI: 10.36648/ipctn.9.5.72

Citation: Gorman R (2024) Role of Nutraceuticals in Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Disease Management. J Nutraceuticals Food Sci Vol. 9 No.5: 72.

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Description

Nutraceuticals, a term combining nutrition and pharmaceuticals, refers to products derived from food sources that provide additional health benefits beyond their basic nutritional value. This category includes dietary supplements, functional foods and medical foods, all of which have gained attention for their potential role in promoting health, preventing disease and even managing certain medical conditions.

Health bene its of nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals encompass a broad range of products from natural sources organized into several main categories like dietary supplements which include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and other bioactive compounds taken orally to enhance the diet [1-3]. Examples include fish oil capsules, probiotics and multivitamin tablets. Functional foods are whole foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Examples include fortified foods like vitamin D-enriched milk, calciumfortified orange juice and whole grains, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Medical foods specifically designed for dietary management of diseases, these foods are intended for use under medical supervision. Examples include nutritional supplements for patients with specific conditions like diabetes or malnutrition. Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria that support gut health, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that encourage the growth of these microbes [4]. Both are increasingly recognized for their roles in digestive health and immune function. A key advantage of nutraceuticals is their potential to prevent or manage chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. For example, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are associated with reduced inflammation and a lower risk of heart disease [5-7]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a renewed focus on the potential of these supplements to boost immunity. Nutraceuticals are also being studied for their role in supporting cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Clinical research

Curcumin and omega-3 fatty acids have shown neuroprotective effects in some studies. Probiotics and prebiotics play a significant role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota, which is linked to various health outcomes, including digestion, immune function and even mental health. Probiotic supplementation has been shown to improve conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease [8]. Nutraceuticals often fall into a regulatory gray area. While pharmaceutical drugs undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy before reaching the market, nutraceuticals, particularly dietary supplements, are not subjected to the same level of oversight. This can lead to inconsistencies in quality, potency and even the presence of contaminants. Although numerous studies suggest the potential benefits of nutraceuticals, many of these studies are either preclinical or observational. Large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials considered the gold standard in clinical research are often lacking, making it challenging to conclusively determine the effectiveness of many nutraceuticals [9,10].

Conclusion

A significant issue in the nutraceutical industry is the lack of standardization products can vary greatly in terms of dosage, bioavailability and active ingredients. Additionally, global disparities in access mean that many populations do not benefit from the potential health advantages of these products. With ongoing research aiming to better understand their mechanisms of action and potential applications in personalized medicine, the future of nutraceuticals holds covenant. They represent a covenant avenue for improving health, preventing disease and complementing conventional medical treatments. However, to fully realize their potential, challenges such as inconsistent clinical evidence, regulatory oversight and industry standardization must be addressed. As research continues and the industry evolves, nutraceuticals may play an increasingly significant role in the future of healthcare.