The changing face of nutraceuticals – An overview

Abstract

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" were the words said around 2500 years ago by Hippocrates. Since ancient times mankind has believed in the role played by the appropriate amount of nutrition in maintaining proper health. The increasing concern of consumers regarding the potential toxic effects of synthetic drugs has helped the nutraceutical market to grow enormously in the past few years as consumers feel that it is a relatively safer way to good health. The market for these products is anticipated to increase even further in the years to come. However, there still exists ambiguity about the regulatory requirements related to nutraceuticals worldover. Stringent regulations related to the safety and efficacy of these products is imperative to create a conducive environment for the sustainable growth of the nutraceutical industry. This article attempts to trace the evolution of nutraceuticals over the years and a sneak peek into what may be the future of the nutraceutical industry.