DARKSIDE OF NUTRACEUTICALS

Abstract

The concept of "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food," attributed to Hippocrates, has resonated through the ages, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of food. This philosophy finds parallels in Ayurveda and culminated in the term "nutraceutical," coined by Dr. Stephen De Felice in 1989. Nutraceuticals, a fusion of "nutrition" and "pharmaceuticals," encompass substances from food with perceived health benefits.

This paper presents a comprehensive classification of nutraceuticals based on chemical composition, source, and traditional or nontraditional nature. It explores their popularity, safety concerns, and the misconception that "all-natural remedies are beneficial." The list of marketed nutraceuticals illustrates their diversity, from appetite suppressants to immune boosters.

The analysis delves into potential health risks associated with nutraceuticals, focusing on vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, soy protein, and botanicals. Adverse incidents, including liver damage and birth defects, are discussed. The paper highlights the lack of scientific consensus on the effectiveness of nutraceuticals in preventing diseases.

Specific attention is given to contaminants such as heavy metals, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and mycotoxins found in nutraceuticals, emphasizing their potential harm. The significance of understanding and regulating nutraceuticals is underscored, given their increasing prevalence and the need for consumer awareness.

In conclusion, while nutraceuticals offer potential health benefits, their safety and efficacy are contingent on factors like purity, quality control, and accurate labeling. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on the integrity and security of nutraceutical products, urging a more informed and discerning approach to their consumption.