Nutraceuticals- Classifications of Nutraceuticals

A term that covers a large area of products derived from food that provide extra health benefits beyond what is obtained from basic food sources. Most nutraceuticals may have incredible benefits to your goal of preventative health. There any are many different products on the market that a fall into the nutraceutical category.  Simply look at what your health goals are and match that with the known benefits of certain nutraceuticals for overall health management.

Dietary supplements fall into this category as they contain nutrients derived from food and compressed into pill, tablet, capsule, chewable or liquid form. Nutraceuticals under this category include supplements containing vitamins, herbs, minerals, botanicals, amino acids and enzyme as well any combinations of these ingredients. These products may have many health benefits, but must advise on the bottle that the product is not intended to diagnose, cure, prevent or cure any type of disease. Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms including pill, powders, liquids, capsules, softgels and gelcaps. Many people take these products daily, especially daily vitamins, to help bridge the nutritional gaps in their diet.

Another classification is functional foods. Nutraceuticals that fall under this category are enriched foods close to their natural state and the majority of functional foods have been fortified or enriched through a process called nitrification. The process restores the nutrient content in foods back to the level it had before processing. Examples of nitrification include the added vitamin D in milk and added fiber and vitamins to processed breads and cereals. Functional foods are becoming more widespread due to poor diets. Many children’s cereals have added nutrients such as calcium, vitamins and fiber.

A group of foods called medical foods are not available at your local grocery store. According to the Food and Drug Association, medical foods are nutraceuticals meant to be administered internally under doctor supervision and intended for a dietary management of a disease or condition deemed necessary after a medical evaluation. Medical foods can be ingested by mouth or through a feeding tube. These foods are regulated by the FDA and prescribed and monitored by physicians. These foods are always meant to meet specific nutritional requirements for people diagnosed with a specific illness that the medical foods can treat.  Looking at all of your options will help you make the best decision for you and your families health goals and needs.

Paul Carlotta is the leading expert in Market America and Nutraceuticals.  To learn more, visit http://www.isotonicvitamins.com today.