Classification of Nutraceuticals: Types, Categories, and Key Examples

Nutraceuticals are new ways to get all the nutrients and vitamins mixed with medicines. But these different varieties of nutraceuticals are difficult to differentiate based on various factors. Understanding these categories helps to find the right one. Let us discuss them in detail. 

What Are Nutraceuticals?

Nutraceuticals act like a bridge between medicines and food. These products are derived from original food sources and offer health benefits beyond basic nutritional value. This is used to target specific actions in the human body. 

These nutraceuticals come in tablet, capsule, liquid, or fortified food forms. Examples of nutraceuticals include probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, herbal extracts, and vitamin supplements. 

Importance of Classification of Nutraceuticals in Healthcare and Nutrition

Classification of nutraceuticals in healthcare and nutrition is important because it enables precise, evidence-based disease prevention and therapeutic management. 

These different categories of nutraceuticals are crucial in selecting the right type for a patient’s condition, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. This way, safety, regulatory compliance, and efficiency in the healthcare industry are maintained. 

 Classification of Nutraceuticals Based on Source

According to the source, nutraceuticals are classified into traditional and non-traditional categories. Let’s look at them in detail below:

Traditional Neutraceuticals

Traditional nutraceuticals are components obtained directly from natural sources with minimal alteration. These are the nutraceuticals with known potential health qualities. These are sourced from plants, animals, microorganisms, and minerals. 

Examples of natural nutraceuticals include turmeric, garlic, ginger, green tea, ginseng, soybeans, salmon, tomatoes, and flaxseeds. All these are nutrient-rich components used to target and address complications and diseases. 

Non-Traditional Neutraceuticals

Non-traditional nutraceuticals are derived from agricultural breeding or from added nutrients or ingredients. These nutraceuticals are produced using biotechnology or genetic engineering methods to create new food ingredients. 

Examples of non-traditional or artificial nutraceuticals include fortified foods such as calcium-fortified juice, probiotics such as yogurt and kefir, bioactive peptides/hydrolysates, and recombinant nutraceuticals. 

Classification of Nutraceuticals Based on Chemical Nature

Classification of nutraceuticals based on chemical nature is divided into functional groups. Here are the classifications in detail:

• Fatty Acids: The omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and improve the brain’s functions. 
• Polyphenols: The polyphenols consist of flavonoids (neutralize the free radicals), phenols(caffeic acid and catechins have antioxidant and anticancer properties), and tannins. 
• Isoprenoid Derivatives/Carotenoids: Beta-carotene and Lycopene act as antioxidants and reduce cancer risk. 
• Carbohydrates and Carbohydrate Derivatives: Includes dietary fibres, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. 
• Amino Acids and Protein Hydrolysates: Collagen hydrolysates reduce joint pain and bone loss. 
• Isoprenoids/Terpenoids: This group consists of saponins (soybeans), which are known to reduce LDL cholesterol and have anticancer properties. 

There are a few other classes as well, such as phytoestrogens, sulphides/thiols, and plant sterols. The above-mentioned nutraceuticals are found in natural sources, fortified foods, or functional foods. 

Classification of Nutraceuticals Based on Health Benefits and Functions

This classification of the nutraceuticals provides health benefits, including disease prevention and cure. This class addresses specific health conditions, including the immune system, cardiovascular health, brain function, and bone strength. The nutraceuticals based on health benefits and functions is the classification that is classified into the following categories:

• Nutrients: Includes the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids that fulfill certain bodily requirements and support metabolic health.
• Herbs: These are traditional medicines and plant-derived products, such as ginger and garlic. 
• Phytochemicals: These are plant-derived compounds with certain therapeutic properties, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. 
• Probiotics: These are the live bacteria that improve the healthy gut flora and improve gut health. 
• Prebiotics: These are non-digestible, fermentable compounds that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestine. 

These classifications are crucial, and GCCPL understands this well; hence, it prepares the nutraceuticals with utmost care and concern. According to a report from the WHO, around 40% of the mortality rates were due to poor health conditions. This created an urgent need to manufacture nutraceuticals to meet the demand for nutrients and vitamins in daily food consumption. 

Applications of Different Types of Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals provide the nutrients our daily diet lacks, strengthen our immune system, and help us fight diseases. These act specifically on certain parts of our bodies and cure diseases. Here are the applications of the different types of nutraceuticals:

• The antioxidants in nutraceuticals help reduce oxidative stress and prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. 
• The probiotics and prebiotics enhance immunity, improve gut health, and manage lactose intolerance. 
• Omega-3 fatty acids reduce cholesterol and inflammation, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance cognitive function. 
• The herbal extracts manage arthritis, reduce stress, improve energy levels, and provide anti-inflammatory properties.
• Dietary fibres promote digestion, help with weight management, and help control blood sugar levels. 
• Minerals and vitamins are very helpful in maintaining bone health, boosting immunity, and supporting metabolic functions.
• The polyphenols provide neuroprotective benefits and help maintain cardiovascular health. 
• All the nutraceutical compounds work to maintain the cardiovascular system, metabolic health, immune system, mental health, and skin health, and to reduce inflammation. 

Nutraceuticals are a broad market, and manufacturers are seeking more effective ways to produce them with greater nutritional value and benefits. The growing need for stronger immunity is a concern today amid the outbreak of deadly viruses like the Coronavirus. All these demand new ways to incorporate the much-needed nutrients and vitamins.

Nutraceuticals are a broad market, and manufacturers are seeking more effective ways to produce them with greater nutritional value and benefits. The growing need for stronger immunity is a concern today amid the outbreak of deadly viruses like the Coronavirus. All these demand new ways to incorporate the much-needed nutrients and vitamins. 

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