The classification of nutraceuticals into "traditional" and "non-traditional" categories can be understood within the broader context of dietary supplements and functional foods.
Nutraceuticals, a portmanteau of "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical," are products derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to their basic nutritional value.
Here's a breakdown of these two categories:
A. Traditional Nutraceuticals
Traditional nutraceuticals are typically derived from foods and plants that have been used for centuries for their medicinal and health-promoting properties.
These products are often used in their natural form or minimally processed. Common sources include:
1. Herbal Products:
These are derived from plants and include extracts or preparations of herbs and spices traditionally used in folk medicine.
Examples include ginger, turmeric, and garlic.
2. Dietary Supplements:
These are concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect.
Common examples are omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Probiotics:
These are live microorganisms intended to provide health benefits when consumed, generally by improving or restoring the gut flora.
Examples include products containing Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium.
B. Non-Traditional Nutraceuticals
Non-traditional nutraceuticals involve newer, often more processed products with health-promoting or disease-preventing properties.
These are frequently engineered or contain bioactive compounds that are isolated, extracted, and concentrated. Some subcategories include:
1. Fortified Foods:
These are foods to which extra nutrients or bioactive compounds have been added.
Examples include calcium-fortified orange juice or vitamin D-fortified milk.
2. Designer Foods:
These foods are specifically created to have certain dietary properties or to prevent or treat specific diseases.
An example is a cereal that has been enriched with phytosterols to help reduce cholesterol levels.
3. Functional Foods:
While sometimes overlapping with fortified foods, these focus more on providing health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including enhancing health or reducing the risk of chronic disease.
An example might be yogurt with added probiotics for digestive health.
Both traditional and non-traditional nutraceuticals aim to promote health, prevent chronic diseases, improve health parameters, and support the structure or function of the body.
However, the approaches and types of products within each category can differ significantly based on their source, processing level, and intended use.
Here's a table summarizing the classification of nutraceuticals into traditional and non-traditional categories, along with examples for each: