Nutraceutical is a type of food supplement that contains in its composition bioactive compounds that have been extracted from food and that have benefits for the body, and can even be used as a way to complement the treatment for some disease.
The term nutraceutical is used to name a specific nutrient present in a food, which is not the food itself nor a medicine, such as lycopene, which is a bioactive compound that can be found in tomatoes, phytosterols and resveratrol, which are compounds found in the grape bar and wine.
Nutraceuticals can be found in health food stores and pharmacies in the form of capsules, tablets, sachets, dietary supplement or be formulated in pharmacies of manipulation, however it is important that their consumption is directed by the doctor or nutritionist, this because as it contains high concentrations of the compound compared to the food source, it can have health consequences.
What is it for
Nutraceuticals are bioactive compounds that can be used to meet the needs of the organism, and can be found in a single capsule, a combination of nutraceuticals. Some of the most common nutraceuticals are omega-3s, lycopene, resveratrol, phytosterols, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Due to the fact that nutraceuticals are compounds that participate in various processes in the body, they have several benefits and can be indicated in several situations, the main ones being:
- Regulation of cholesterol level and prevention of development of cardiovascular diseases;
- Regulation of the amount of sugar in the blood, helping to control and prevent diabetes;
- Improves the functioning of the intestine and promotion of gastrointestinal health;
- Improvement of bone health;
- Regulation of blood pressure;
- Regulation of thyroid hormones.
Although it may have several indications, it is important that the use of nutraceuticals is done according to the guidance of the nutritionist, this because the consumption of quantities above the recommended can have consequences for health. In addition, it is important that the use of nutraceuticals is accompanied by healthy habits such as physical activity and healthy and balanced eating. Check out the benefits of healthy eating.
What is the difference between nutraceuticals and functional foods?
Despite acting in body functions, nutraceuticals are different from functional foods. Functional foods correspond to the food itself, which is already in their own form for consumption, while nutraceuticals are substances extracted from the food and which are presented in the form of tablet or capsules, for example.
In addition, whole foods and those that have been enriched or improved with the aim of increasing their benefits for the body are considered functional foods. Learn more about functional foods.
Possible side effects
Nutraceuticals have a higher concentration of compounds than what is found naturally in food and, therefore, consumption without indication of the doctor or nutritionist or the use of above-recommended amounts may have health consequences.
Thus, depending on the nutraceutical consumed there may be the appearance of symptoms of intoxication or intolerance to the compound, increased risk of stone formation in the kidneys and impairment of the function of this organ, increased gas production, interaction with medications, diarrhea, colic and abdominal distension, for example.
Graduated from the Catholic University of Santos in 2001, with professional registration in CRN-3 No. 15097.
