Nutraceuticals:

The word “nutraceutical” is not a scientific term; it is mostly used to promote commercial products.

 

The term comes from a combination of the words nutrient and pharmaceutical.

 

For this reason, a “nutraceutical” product may contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, etc, aside from a compound which may have effects directly related to health and well being.

The term “nutraceutical” can be very confusing, since many products sold in the markets today which contain combinations of vitamins, minerals and chemicals from herbs (“phytochemicals”) could theoretically be considered to be “nutraceuticals”.

We have to be careful when we buy these products, however, because some of them do not undergo proper inspection for purity and quality control.

 

Additionally, some manufacturers and distributors may exaggerate health claims in order to boost their sales. Some of these claims may not have been adequately evaluated by competent health or nutrition authorities.

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* Health Tip:

Nutritional supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet; always ask for professional advice before taking any nutritional supplement.

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