Nutraceutical

As per PCI Syllabus

(T. Y. B. Pharm Sem –VI)  Unit-II

Introduction

The term “Nutraceutical,” derived from the terms nutrition and pharmaceutical was coined in 1989 by   Dr. Stephen De Felice, (Chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine).

The term is intended for a nutritional supplement that is sold with the intent to treat or prevent disease and does not have any regulatory definition. Hence, a “nutraceutical” is any substance that may be considered a food or part of a food which provides medical or health benefits, encompassing, prevention and treatment of diseases.



Nutraceuticals

Nutraceutical can be defined as a food or a part of food or a nutrient, which in addition to its nutrient values provides health benefits including promotion of health and prevention of disease. 
Most of the diseases such as diabetes,  cardiovascular, obesity, etc occur due to incorrect diet and life style. Hence nutraceuticals play an important role in disease prevention as well as promoting health. 

Nutraceuticals strengthens the body defence mechanism and improves the bodys immunity towards the diseases.

Global market overview & growth of nutraceutical segment


The nutraceutical market is predicted to record a revenue of USD 671.30 billion by 2024.

Developing countries have a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, etc, 
Therefore the demand for nutraceuticals is expected to rise in these nations.
Nutraceuticals are also gaining global importance and have become a part of daily diet due to increased risk of diseases due to improper life style and people consciously adapting preventive healthcare measures. 
The gradually increasing healthcare expenses are also stimulating the demand for nutraceuticals.

Developed countries like United States and Europe have seen an fast emerging segment of customised products especially functional foods and beverages.

Nutraceuticals have become an opportunity for economic growth of many developing countries which have a rich source of medicinal herbs and traditional knowledge of such plants, especially India, China and South American countries.



Top global companies dominating the nutraceutical market:

Top global companies dominating the global market include, Pepsico, Kellogs, Herblife, Suntory, Nestle, Amway, Coca cola, Quest nutrition, Natures bounty inc, Post holdings inc and Clif bar are the major manufacturers in functional beverages and protein industry.

Scope of nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are expected to deliver promising outcomes in the prevention and occurrence of various diseases resulting due to improper lifestyle and food habits.

Various constituent of plants like catechins, carotenoids, lycopene, polyphenols, PUFA, etc have been very effective in the prevention and occurrence of various diseases like cardiovascular, arthritis, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, etc.






1.Inorganic mineral supplements

Eg:calcium, magnesium, manganese, boron, copper, zinc, phosphorous, etc.

2. Antioxidants

They are present in fruits, vegetables and fishes. They are used to prevent the reactive Oxygen species and free scavenging radicals. 
Eg: Vit-E, C, A, Beta carotene.

3. Poly unsaturated fat acids (PUFA)

These are fatty acids which contain more than one double bond and include essential fatty acids. 
Eg: Omega-B-fatty acids, safflower oil, corn oil, soyabean oil, fish oil.

4. Probiotics  

These are living microorganism, which taken with or without food improve intestinal microbial balance and functioning of large intestine.
Eg. Bifido bacterium, Lacto bacilli, Saccharomyccs cerevisiae etc.
5. Prebiotics

These are non digestible substances that provide beneficial effect and protection to the prebiotic from gastric acid and digestive enzymes. They are also promote the growth of probiotic bacteria.
Eg: Oligo fructose, Inulin, Galacto-oligosaccharides, Lactulose.

6. Dietary fibers

They are two type in fruits, viz: water soluble fibers and water insoluble fibers. They are present in fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, etc. They are used to correct  constipation, bowel irregularities, haemorrhoids. 

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