Ever since Covid – 19 pandemic outbreak, maintaining personal health became the greatest concern of the general public; which drove nutraceutical markets to shatter their own sales record.
Nutrition has a powerful impact on human health. The nature, quantity and timing of the intake of several nutrients directly affect metabolism, immunity and the development of major lifestyle diseases. The risk of deficiencies for several nutrients can be eliminated with the intake of nutritional supplementation and consumption of fortified food. Nutraceuticals are famous for their ability to supplement and complement regular diet and boost innate immunity, thus play a major role in preventive healthcare.
The public, concerned with pandemics outbreaks, have wished to boost their immunity which increased the intake of immunity-boosting foods and supplements, and multivitamins to tremendous levels. Vit C, Vit D, Omega-3 and probiotics have revised their share in the market like never before. This shift from the usual self-indulgent lifestyle will remain for the foreseeable future.
The first step in the fight against noncommunicable chronic diseases prevalent around us is developing strong immunity. The intake of natural products and maintaining a balance in the intake of macro and micronutrients are important in strengthening and maintaining immune function, thereby keeping diseases and infections at bay. Nutraceuticals, functional foods and dietary supplements have been known to be beneficial in the prevention of most of these disease conditions starting from common ailments such as body pains, common cold, cough, sleeping disorders, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, osteoporosis to grave situations such as certain cancers. An article published in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs emphasizes present herbal nutraceuticals effectiveness on hard curative disorders related to oxidative stress, including Allergy, Alzheimer, Cardiovascular, Cancer, Diabetes, Eye, Immune, Inflammatory and Parkinson’s diseases. Various studies advocating the positive impact of nutraceuticals in these areas have been published which is helping the nutraceuticals evolve to therapy supplements from being just adjuvants.
About the Author
Deepthi Devatha, Business Executive at Nutrify Today
Deepthi Devatha has completed her Masters in Food Science and Technology from Gitam (Deemed to be) University, Visakhapatnam.
She is currently employed at Nutrify Today as Business Executive. She is an expert in the field of applied nutrition, food science, food processing, development and has a keen interest in understanding Nutra ingredients and their role in public health.
Nutraceutical’s effectiveness
Alzheimer
Alzheimer is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative and irreversible brain disorder, forming plaques and tangles. Nutraceuticals such as curcumin, lutein, lycopene, turmerin and beta carotenemay exert positive effects against this specific disease by combating oxidative stress. Zujube effectiveness in regaining memory is very popular in treating Alzheimer.
Cardiovascular Diseases
CVD includes coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and heart failure. Vitamin D, coenzyme Q 10, folic acid, omega-3, polyphenols reduce the arterial disease by altering the cellular metabolism. Flavonoids present in vegetables block the angiotensin converting enzyme resulting in a decrease of blood pressure and prevent the fatal coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction
Cancer
Carotenoids present in coloured vegetables can prevent cancer owing to their antioxidant property. Tannins, largely accumulated in grapes, tea, lentils and blueberries, scavenge harmful free radicals and detoxify the carcinogens. Isoflavons, genistein and pectins can inhibit prostate cancer. Indoles and cruciferous vegetables give protection against lung cancer.
Parkinson
Parkinson is an irreversible and chronic CNS disorder that results from the destruction of dopamine generating cells. It can be prevented by incorporating vitamin E, glutathione and creatine.
Inflammatory Diseases
Tea Polyphenols, curcumin and resveratrol are involved in the inhibition of NF-κB which when activated leads to the progression of some chronic inflammatory conditions.
Trends driving the nutraceutical industry:
The rise in healthcare costs
There has been a steep increase in chronic diseases, the ageing population and drug prices; which are all correlated. Health care is becoming more expensive with every minute. People started to truly believe in the old saying “Prevention is better than cure”, as it is crucial in preserving not only their health but also their wealth. The Nutraceutical industry is helping people who are conscious about improving their health in achieving their goals. Growth in the awareness of people helped this industry grow at a tremendous rate.
The rise in chronic diseases
In recent decades, globalisation and change in lifestyle have shifted the dynamics of the world. Overweight and obesity is a bigger problem today than hunger. The number of people affected by non-communicable and chronic diseases and conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular problems, lung disorders, liver diseases, diabetes, obesity and many others has increased sharply. Nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition are major risk factors for the development of these disorders.
Growing demand for convenience
Today, the world is moving forward at a pace greater than ever before. Between everyday hustle and self-indulgence of instant gratification, concern regarding health took a major blow. People are not finding enough time to eat properly and fulfil their nutritional requirements. Nutraceuticals brought in the go-to solution that millennials yearn for. Protein bars, nutrient-rich gummies and effervescent tablets are the perfect solutions forever hustling millennials to snack on the run.
Nutraceuticals are safe and pure products with high quality and efficacy. They are used by people from all age groups. Nutritional capability along with the therapeutic capability of nutraceuticals is drawing more and more attention every day. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the role played by nutraceuticals in the global health market.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
