Nutraceutical

Nutraceutical is a marketing term used to imply a pharmaceutical effect from a compound or food product that has not been scientifically confirmed or approved to have clinical benefits.

[2] Due to the vague, undiscriminating evidence for the biological effects of nutraceutical products, experts have proposed abandoning the term.

[1][2] Nutraceuticals from the international market may claim to use organic or exotic ingredients, yet the lack of regulation may compromise the safety and effectiveness of products.

Depending on the jurisdiction, products may claim to prevent chronic diseases, improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy, or support the structure or function of the body.

The 'dietary ingredients' in these products may include:[8] vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and metabolites.

[8] With a few well-defined exceptions, dietary supplements may only be marketed to support the structure or function of the body, and may not claim to treat a disease or condition, and must include a label that says: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

[1][17] After scientists disputed the benefits of nutraceuticals, such as probiotics in yogurt, Danone was forced to pay a large financial penalty for falsely claiming its products Actimel and Activia boosted the immune system.