What are nutraceuticals?
Nutraceutical products can be thought of as non-specific biological medicines that are intended to improve overall health, manage symptoms, and stop cancerous processes.
The word “nutraceutical” is a combination of the words “nutrient,” which refers to a nourishing dietary ingredient, and “pharmaceutical,” which refers to prescription medication. Stephen DeFelice came up with the name in 1989. According to a Greek physician named Hippocrates, who is regarded as the father of medicine, the concept underlying nutraceuticals is to put an emphasis on prevention. He once said, “Let food be your medicine.” One of the most crucial fields of research focuses on their role in human nutrition, which has profound ramifications for consumers, healthcare professionals, regulators, food producers, and distributors.
Segregation of Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals are typically divided into four groups, including pharmaceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements, and therapeutic foods.
Medical foods are designed to be ingested or given internally. under the direction of a licensed medical professional. Its intended purpose is the targeted nutritional management of a condition or disease for which particular nutritional needs have been determined by medical examination and based.
Farmaceuticals are components made from altered farm animals or crops that have medicinal use. The terms “farm” and “pharmaceuticals” are combined to form the phrase. The idea’s proponents are confident that it is considerably more economical than current methods, with larger profits for agricultural producers, to use crops and perhaps even animals as pharmaceutical factories.
With the decline in dietary practises and the rise in the prevalence of mental disorders in western cultures, nutraceuticals are being employed more frequently in psychiatric therapy for mental well-being. A fascinating new discipline in the sciences of nutrition, dietetics, and psychology called nutritional psychiatry studies the effects of dietary therapies on one’s mental health.
Substances involved :
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Vitamins and Minerals
Niacin, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies are known to cause negative neuropsychiatric effects. Certain vitamins are required for the creation of other nutraceuticals. The antidepressant folic acid is effective. Folic acid supplements can enhance symptom alleviation when taken with an antidepressant, especially in women. Low serum folate levels have been linked to dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
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Melatonin
This organic compound controls circadian rhythms in the organism, including the sleep-wake cycle. People with schizophrenia, significant depression, and seasonal affective disorder sleep better thanks to melatonin. For people who need to avoid medicines, such as youngsters and the elderly, this supplement may be an option.
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Choline
Mostly every tissue in the body has choline. It is necessary for every cell to function normally. It could be quite conducive in proving one’s condition when suffering from dementia.
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N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
Cysteine N-acetyl NAC is a potent antioxidant that the body cannot produce on its own. NAC lowers inflammation and oxidative stress. Its positive effects on obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders are supported by research.
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Tryptophan and 5-HTP
Serotonin syndrome, myoclonus, obesity, anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep difficulties are all treated with 5-HTP. A few research studies also point to its promise in treating neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
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Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs)
O3FAs are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are vital for human health and can be found in foods like salmon, sardines, and anchovies. Fish oil capsules can be used by those who don’t eat fish. O3FA levels were found to be low in those with mental illnesses. Major depression and bipolar depression are their main uses. Omega-3 supplements may also improve how well antidepressants work.
Possible Health Benefits
Due to their potential for enhancing nutrition, safety, and therapeutic outcomes, nutraceuticals have garnered a lot of attention during the past few years. Numerous biological processes may include these products. These products are said to be beneficial for preventing serious illnesses like diabetes, kidney and gastrointestinal problems, as well as various infections.
Therefore, nutraceuticals can be used to support the body’s functions and integrity or to enhance health, prevent chronic diseases, delay ageing and thereby lengthen life expectancy.
Conclusion
Omega-3 fatty acids, St. John’s wort, NAC, valerian, Kava, Ginkgo, folic acid, vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium, zinc, S-Adenosylmethionine, inositol, alfa-lactalbumin, and passionflower are some of the most significant nutraceuticals for mental health. Clinical practice standards must incorporate these dietary supplements, particularly when using them in place of traditional medications. To determine the effectiveness and long-term stability of these nutraceuticals in certain indications, more studies must be done.
