The Role of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Manisha Sharma
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India.
Vidhya C. S. *
Department of Primary Processing Storage and Handling, NIFTEM-Thanjavur, Thanjavur-613005, Tamil Nadu, India.
Komal Ojha
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology Udaipur Rajasthan, India.
Yashwanth B. S.
Department of Plantation Products, Spices and Flavour Technology, CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru -570 020, India, University of Mysore (UoM), Mysore-570 005, Karnataka, India.
Barinderjit Singh
Department of Food Science and Technology, I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala, Punjab, -144601 India.
Soni Gupta
Amity Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Amity University Noida.
Shivam Kumar Pandey
Rashtriya Raksha University, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Functional foods containing bioactive compounds may help prevent chronic conditions and promote wellness beyond basic nutrition. Likewise, dietary nutraceutical supplements show promise for reducing disease risk. This review synthesizes current evidence regarding effects of key functional foods and nutraceuticals on outcomes related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammation, immunity, microbiome health, and integrative markers of metabolic health. We specifically summarize findings from clinical trials and experimental studies on foods (e.g. fatty fish, soy, cocoa, nuts, berries, yogurt) and nutritional supplements (e.g. probiotics, vitamins, omega fatty acids, phytochemicals). Collectively, data supports that achieving optimal intake of certain bioactive functional food components may help reduce morbidity and mortality from highly prevalent chronic illnesses. However, further research should continue investigating mechanisms of action, safe effective dosages, nutrigenomic responses, and strategies to improve consumer selection and adherence. Ultimately nutrition-based lifestyle approaches emphasizing functional foods and nutraceuticals aligned with dietary guidance have potential to significantly impact public health by filling nutritional gaps, regulating disease pathways, and promoting protective responses.
Keywords: Functional foods, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, bioactive nutrients, disease prevention, chronic disease, cardiovascular, inflammation, immunity