Food as Medicine: what are Nutraceuticals?
Nutraceuticals blur the lines between food and medicine and are the future of personalised medicine
Organic, bio, plant-based, supplements… there are so many different food labels, certificates, and categories, that you might ask whether you actually know what you are eating – or investing in. It is no wonder then that some see the rise of Nutraceuticals, a mixture of food and medicine, with a healthy dose of skepticism.
The consumer trend, however, is there: “natural” and preventive healthcare is growing as people become more proactive in choosing natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals and in searching for ways to maintain health and prevent chronic diseases that don’t resort to drugs. As a result, the global nutraceuticals market is expected to reach USD 693.06 billion by 2028 from USD 425.57 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 8.47% during the forecast period.
But in spite of the rising popularity, the concept of Nutraceuticals isn’t yet widespread or globally adopted and it begs the question: what are Nutraceuticals? And are Nutraceuticals the future or a fad?
What are Nutraceuticals?
The word nutraceutical, coined well over three decades ago, in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, is a portmanteau of “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”. Nutraceutical describes a substance that is both a food and has pharmacological effects on human health. However, there isn’t yet a clear, universal and official definition of nutraceuticals.
Nutraceuticals market size
Source: Market.us
“Nutraceuticals” is often used interchangeably with “food supplements” or more accurately “dietary supplements” for which there are several very similar definitions, recognised by diverse regulating bodies in different countries. It is also used interchangeably with “functional foods”, a concept that much like nutraceuticals, doesn’t have a clear definition. In fact, there isn’t even a clear demarcation between dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, or between nutraceuticals and functional foods.
Despite the lack of an official definition that is accepted by government agencies, health care professionals, or the scientific community, most literature reviews and research works define Nutraceuticals as a substance, considered a food or part of a food, which is biologically active, beneficial to human health, potentially helpful in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, and that has a potential pharmaceutical effect.
Some research articles and scientific publications classify nutraceuticals as an umbrella term that encompasses dietary supplements, functional foods, probiotics and prebiotics, and genetically modified foods.
The non-consensus and the slight variation in definition, as well as classification divergences, cause confusion among consumers about the purpose and effectiveness of nutraceuticals. However, despite this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges the term, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognises Nutraceuticals as an emerging food innovation with significance in the Bioeconomy Strategy of the European Green Deal.
Benefits of Nutraceuticals
The growing interest in Nutraceuticals is fuelled by a significant body of research. Numerous studies over the years have investigated the effects and benefits of diverse nutraceuticals obtained from fruits, vegetables, algae, sea food or meat, live bacteria, among others.
Garlic, for example, is one of the foods with undeniable nutraceutical potential. Ajoene and allicin, two unique compounds found in garlic, were shown to slow down the growth of cancer cells in over ten types of cancer. Curcumin is another example. This compound extracted from turmeric has been widely studied over the years for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research has and continues to yield promising results for the management of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, osteoarthritis pain relief, and treatment and management of anxiety, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, and other oxidative conditions. Polyphenols in curcumin may very well help the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.
The future of Food as Medicine
Nutraceuticals are a part of a wider movement known as Food as Medicine – or, as it is also called, Food is Medicine. This refers to the concept of including food and diet in individual health plans, namely using food to prevent, manage and treat certain diseases and/or illnesses.
Snapshot of nutraceuticals industry
Source: Grand View Research
Essentially, the Food as Medicine movement strives to create a healthcare system where food is recognised and valued as an integral tool for promoting health, as well as preventing disease and even being part of treatment. This vision includes ensuring universal access to affordable and nutritious food, promoting food security programmes at a governmental level, integrating food into primary healthcare, and even potentially involving medically tailored meals or dietary prescriptions in health plans.
While a healthy and varied whole-food diet remains the cornerstone of the Food as Medicine movement, nutraceuticals offer exciting possibilities. Nutraceuticals have the potential to become targeted dietary interventions, to feature heavily in medically tailored meal plans, or even to be a pillar of the movement. Used strategically and with proper guidance, Nutraceuticals could personalise Food as Medicine even further, providing a bridge between food and pharmaceuticals.
All it takes is a Spark
Sparkfood’s mission is to empower and support ambitious projects that promote innovation and sustainability within the food industry. We provide a hub of resources and connections, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. This collaborative environment, along with Sparkfood’s investment capital, fuels the growth of businesses that prioritise nutraceuticals, people and the planet.