Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are food or food components that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, and they were first described by Stephen DeFelice in 1989. The term "nutraceutical" is a combination of "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical", which suggests that these products bridge the gap between food and medicine. Nutraceuticals can be found in many forms, such as capsules, tablets, drinks, and fortified foods, and they often contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, or other natural substances that have shown health benefits. Examples of nutraceuticals include omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants. Nutraceuticals are marketed as a way to support various health conditions, but it's important to consult a healthcare professional before using them. ^{(1, 2)}

Classification of Nutraceuticals ⁽³⁾

Nutraceuticals can be classified based on different criteria, such as their source, chemical composition, mode of action, and health benefits. Here are some common classifications:

Health benefits of nutraceuticals ^{( 4)}

Nutraceuticals have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of nutraceuticals:

• Improved heart health: Enhanced bone health
• Better brain health
• Boosted immune system
• Anti-inflammatory effects
  
  

Contamination in Nutraceuticals ⁽⁵⁾

Incidents of dietary supplements recalled due to nutraceuticals contamination ^(6,7)

Over the years, there have been multiple incidents of nutraceuticals contamination across various countries

• On March 9, 2023, a recall was announced for 62 brands of omega-3 supplements intended for cats and dogs. The recall was prompted by a report from a customer whose pet exhibited symptoms of vitamin A toxicity after consuming one of the affected products. Vitamin A toxicity symptoms in pets can vary from mild, such as feelings of illness, loss of appetite, and malaise, to severe indications like peeling skin, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, paralysis, or potentially fatal consequences...
• On November 12, 2021, a manufacturer of dietary supplements initiated a voluntary recall of several products due to the presence of undeclared milk on the labels. The company's location is not mentioned to maintain a neutral tone. This recall may pose a potential health risk to individuals who are allergic to or highly sensitive to milk. Consumption of these products may result in serious or life-threatening allergic reactions.
  
  

Overview of the Market :^{(8 )}

. The nutraceuticals market had a global value of USD 454.55 billion in 2021, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.0% from 2021 to 2030. The demand for dietary supplements and functional food is expected to be a major driver for market growth. Additionally, there is a growing interest in medical nutrition as a treatment for cardiovascular disorders and malnutrition, which is expected to further boost the demand for dietary supplements.

Regulations and standards ⁽⁹⁾

The Indian government has added nutraceutical products, including dietary supplements and functional foods, under the jurisdiction of the Shellac & Forest Products Export Promotion Council (SHEFEXIL) in Appendix 2T of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2015-2020. SHEFEXIL's responsibility is to promote the export of shellac and forest products, and now it will also provide support to businesses involved in the export of nutraceuticals. This move has been welcomed by the Indian nutraceutical industry, which sees it as a significant development that will provide much-needed support for their export. SHEFEXIL's support could include organizing trade fairs, conducting market research, and providing financial assistance to businesses exporting nutraceutical products. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is responsible for regulating nutraceuticals in India. Nutraceuticals are defined as "products that are derived from food sources and are marketed as having a health benefit beyond basic nutrition" under the FSSAI. Here are some of the key standards and specifications of nutraceuticals set by the FSSAI:

Testing methods ⁽¹⁰⁾

 The determination of nutraceuticals is typically done through a combination of analytical methods, such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and immunoassays. Chromatography involves the separation and identification of different compounds in a sample, while spectroscopy measures the absorption, emission, or scattering of electromagnetic radiation by molecules. Immunoassays use antibodies to detect specific molecules in a sample. These methods allow for the detection and quantification of specific nutraceuticals, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, among others. Overall, the use of these methods helps ensure that the nutraceuticals in food products are accurately identified and measured, thus providing consumers with the health benefits they seek.

Eurofins services in nutraceuticals testing

Eurofins is a global leader in laboratory testing and analysis of nutraceuticals. The company provides a wide range of testing methods and analysis services to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of nutraceutical products. Here are some of the commonly used testing methods used by Eurofins for nutraceutical analysis testing:

Through these testing methods and analysis services, Eurofins helps to ensure that nutraceutical products are safe, effective, and of high quality, which is essential for both manufacturers and consumer


References

1. DeFelice, S. L. (1995). The nutraceutical revolution: Its impact on food industry R&D. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 6(2), 59-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-2244(00)88944-X
2. Das, L., Bhaumik, E., Raychaudhuri, U., & Chakraborty, R. (2012). Role of nutraceuticals in human health. Journal of food science and technology, 49(2), 173-183. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-011-0269-4
3. AlAli, M.; Alqubaisy, M.; Aljaafari, M.N.; AlAli, A.O.; Baqais, L.; Molouki, A.; Abushelaibi, A.; Lai, K.-S.; Lim, S.-H.E. Nutraceuticals: Transformation of Conventional Foods into Health Promoters/Disease Preventers and Safety Considerations. Molecules2021, 26, 2540. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092540
4. Puri, V.; Nagpal, M.; Singh, I.; Singh, M.; Dhingra, G.A.; Huanbutta, K.; Dheer, D.; Sharma, A.; Sangnim, T. A Comprehensive Review on Nutraceuticals: Therapy Support and Formulation Challenges. Nutrients2022, 14, 4637. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214637
5. Rocha T, Amaral JS, Oliveira MBPP. Adulteration of Dietary Supplements by the Illegal Addition of Synthetic Drugs: A Review. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2016 Jan;15(1):43-62. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.12173. Epub 2015 Oct 19. PMID: 33371574.
6. https://www.stratfordrx.com/recall-omega3-supplements
7. https://www.nutracapusa.com/product-recall/
8. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/nutraceuticals-market
9. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Nutra_29_09_2021.pdf
10. Nicoletti, M. (2016). Microalgae Nutraceuticals. Foods, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/foods5030054
11. https://www.a2ztaxcorp.com/dgft-includes-nutraceutical-products-in-the-jurisdiction-of-the-shellac-forest-products-export-promotion-council-in-appendix-2t-of-ftp/

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