Nutraceuticals, a portmanteau of “nutrition” and “pharmaceuticals,” refer to products derived from food sources that offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutritional value. These products are used to promote general well-being, control symptoms, and prevent chronic diseases. The term encompasses a broad range of products, including dietary supplements, functional foods, and medicinal foods.

Types of Nutraceuticals

1. Dietary Supplements: These include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and herbs or other botanicals. They are typically consumed in the form of pills, capsules, powders, or liquids to supplement the diet.

2. Functional Foods: These are foods that have been enhanced or fortified with additional ingredients to provide health benefits beyond their basic nutritional content. Examples include fortified cereals, probiotic yogurt, and orange juice with added calcium.

3. Medicinal Foods: These are formulated to be consumed under the supervision of a physician and are intended for the dietary management of a disease or condition. They are specially processed or formulated to meet specific nutritional requirements.