nutraceutical
Health-boosting edible
A nutraceutical is a food or food-derived product marketed for health benefits beyond basic nutrition—supplements, fortified foods, or extracts claiming to prevent disease or enhance wellness.
The term blends "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical," positioning these products between food and medicine: Fish oil capsules are among the most popular nutraceuticals.
The category exists in a regulatory gray zone, often making health claims without the rigorous testing required of drugs.
Vital substances needed minimally
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- probioticsLive microorganisms aiding digestion
prebiotics · enzymes · protein · macronutrients · zinc · magnesium · iron · calcium
Substances counteracting oxidative damage
- phytochemicalsBioactive plant-derived compounds
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- flavonoidsPolyphenolic plant metabolites
- carotenoidsFat-soluble plant pigments
isoflavones · catechins · quercetin · lycopene · lutein · curcumin · beta-carotene · allicin
Enclosed dose container
- tabletFlat portable computing device
- powderFine dry particles
- softgelPliable capsule for supplements
- dosageMeasured medicine amount
extract · tincture · glucosamine · chondroitin · melatonin · omega-3 · spirulina · chlorella
Safeguarding cardiac tissue
- neuroprotectiveGuarding neurons from harm
- anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
- antitumorOpposing malignant growth
cholesterol-lowering · metabolism · detoxification · bioavailability
Official rules governing conduct
- FDAU.S. health regulator
- efficacyAbility to produce results
- labelingAssigning identifying markers
- claimsStatements of truth
standardization · certification · GMP · patents · research · formulation
micronutrients
Vital substances needed minimally
probiotics · prebiotics · enzymes · protein · macronutrients · zinc · magnesium · iron · calcium
antioxidants
Substances counteracting oxidative damage
- phytochemicalsBioactive plant-derived compounds
- polyphenolsPlant-derived antioxidant compounds
- flavonoidsPolyphenolic plant metabolites
carotenoids · isoflavones · catechins · quercetin · lycopene · lutein · curcumin · beta-carotene · allicin · capsaicin
capsule
Enclosed dose container
dosage · extract · tincture · glucosamine · chondroitin · melatonin · omega-3 · spirulina · chlorella · ashwagandha
cardioprotective
Safeguarding cardiac tissue
- neuroprotectiveGuarding neurons from harm
- anti-inflammatoryInflammation-reducing agent
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
antitumor · cholesterol-lowering · metabolism · detoxification · bioavailability
kefir
Cultured milk drink
- kombuchaFermented tea drink
regulation
Official rules governing conduct
claims · standardization · certification · GMP · patents · research · formulation
nutraceuticaljunk food
Low-nutrition processed snacks
poison · toxin · carcinogen · empty calories · pollutant
nutraceuticalpharmaceutical
Manufactured medicinal compound
synthetic drug · prescription medication · staple food · chemotherapy · over-the-counter drug
nutraceuticalpoison
Harmful ingested substance
toxin · pollutant · contaminant · pathogen · adulterant