Neutraceuticals / Food Suppliments

Nutraceuticals is a broad umbrella term that is used to describe any product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. They can be considered non-specific biological therapies used to promote general well-being, control symptoms and prevent malignant processes.

Nutraceuticals are a group of products that are more than food but less than pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately there is still no internationally accepted definition of these products therefore their judgement varies country by country. In most countries nutraceuticals are taken as part of dietary supplements. Frequency of nutraceuticals use is 50%–70% in developed countries’ population and this number is increasing by the age. Ladies use more nutraceuticals than men. From a safety point of view nutraceuticals are trusted products even if they are not approved by authorities like pharmaceuticals. With a lot of nutraceuticals clinical studies have been carried out and results originating from these trials support their effectiveness as well as their general safety. Nutraceuticals represent however a certain risk if they were to be used without medical control as interactions with medication can be harmful, especially in vulnerable (old, very young, chronically sick) populations.

Food supplements are substances you might use to add nutrients to your diet or to lower your risk of health problems such as osteoporosis or arthritis. food supplements come in the form of pills, capsules, powders, gel capsules and tablets, extracts, or liquids. They might contain vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, herbs or other plants, or enzymes.