Immune system support
Some nutraceuticals help strengthen the body’s natural defences and modulate the immune response.
Nutraceuticals: what they are, their benefits and how to choose the right ones
Nutraceuticals are one of the most innovative pillars of modern nutrition, sitting between diet, prevention and evidence-based health support.
What nutraceutics is
Nutraceutics is a scientific discipline that studies the interaction between food, nutrients and health, with the aim of preventing specific conditions or supporting their treatment.
Origin and meaning of the term
The term combines nutrition and pharmaceutics and was introduced in the late 1980s to describe the targeted use of food components to benefit health.
The concept of “food as medicine”
Modern scientific evidence shows that certain nutrients and bioactive compounds are able to modulate inflammatory, metabolic and immune processes.
What nutraceuticals are
Definition
A nutraceutical is a bioactive substance of natural origin, isolated or concentrated, that has a beneficial physiological effect and helps maintain good health.
Differences from other products
- Nutraceuticals: active ingredients with a specific, documented function
- Food supplements: general nutritional support
- Functional foods: foods enriched with beneficial ingredients
Classification of nutraceuticals
Plant-based
Polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols and dietary fibre, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Animal-based
Omega-3s, collagen, phospholipids and bioactive peptides, useful for the joints, the cardiovascular system and skin health.
Microbial
Probiotics, postbiotics and lactic ferments, essential for the balance of the gut microbiota.
Health benefits of nutraceuticals
Cardiovascular health
They can help maintain normal cholesterol levels and support normal heart function.
Gut and metabolic well-being
They promote a balanced microbiota and support digestion and metabolism.
Nutraceuticals in clinical practice
In clinical practice, nutraceuticals are increasingly used to support conventional therapy, under medical supervision, in protocols for the prevention or management of chronic conditions.
The nutraceuticals market
The nutraceuticals sector is growing strongly worldwide, driven by increasing attention to prevention and personalised well-being.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Are nutraceuticals medicines?
- No. They are not medicines and do not replace treatments prescribed by your doctor.
- Can they be taken every day?
- It depends on the type of nutraceutical, the dosage and individual needs. It is always advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Conclusions
Nutraceuticals are a bridge between nutrition and preventive medicine, offering new opportunities to improve health in an informed, science-based way.
