Functional Foods and Human Health PDF
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Uploaded by FastestOrchid
Bangladesh University of Textiles
2024
PHR
Md. Hafizur Rahman
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Summary
This document discusses functional foods and human health, covering topics such as the definition, examples and types of functional foods, the key differences between functional foods and nutraceuticals, and its roles in preventing diseases. It also provides a variety of examples including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. The document was presented by Md. Hafizur Rahman on 12/16/2024, and it touches on the dietary requirements for adults.
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Nutraceuticals and Food Technology (PHR 0916 513) Functional Foods and human health Lecture 1&2 Presented By- Md. Hafizur Rahman...
Nutraceuticals and Food Technology (PHR 0916 513) Functional Foods and human health Lecture 1&2 Presented By- Md. Hafizur Rahman General Manager & Head of PDD The IPI Ltd. 12/16/2024 Introduction What do you mean by functional foods? Functional foods are those that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These foods typically contain bioactive compounds that can positively affect health when consumed as part of a regular diet. Some examples of functional foods include: Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They may help improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Omega-3s can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve brain function. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote satiety. Yogurt and Fermented Foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Consuming probiotic-rich foods may improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and reduce inflammation. 12/16/2024 Introduction Whole Grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice, and barley are whole grains that provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help lower cholesterol, improve digestion, and regulate blood sugar levels. Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, support eye health, and promote healthy skin. Turmeric: This vibrant yellow spice contains curcumin, a powerful anti- inflammatory compound. Turmeric may help reduce inflammation, alleviate joint pain, and improve cognitive function. Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, weight management, and reduced risk of certain cancers. Garlic: Garlic contains sulfur compounds that have been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and improve heart health. 12/16/2024 Introduction Difference Between Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals 1.By Definition Functional foods refer to the foods with ingredients which gives that food health-promoting properties over and above its usual nutritional value while nutraceuticals refer to the foodstuff (as a fortified food or a dietary supplement) held to provide health or medical benefits in addition to its basic nutritional value 2. Correspondence The main difference between functional foods and nutraceuticals is that the functional foods naturally contain bioactive compounds found in foods while nutraceuticals are the bioactive compounds found in fortified food, dietary supplements or herbal products. 3. Origin/Source Another difference between functional foods and nutraceuticals is their origins /Source. Functional foods are natural while nutraceuticals can be either natural or synthetic and may be available as pills, capsules or liquids 12/16/2024 Introduction Difference Between Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals 4.Type of Nutrients The bioactive compounds in functional foods are different from the traditional nutrients while nutraceuticals include traditional nutrients. Hence, this is another difference between functional foods and nutraceuticals. 5. Examples Grapes, strawberries, and apples are examples of functional foods while beta-carotene, lycopene, resveratrol, and ferulic acid are examples of nutraceuticals. 12/16/2024 Introduction Difference Between Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals 06.Form: Functional foods are consumed in their natural or minimally processed form, while nutraceuticals are typically consumed as dietary supplements or pharmaceutical-grade products. 07.Complexity: Functional foods contain a variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds that work synergistically to provide health benefits, while nutraceuticals deliver specific nutrients or bioactive compounds in concentrated forms. 08. Regulation: Functional foods are regulated as food products and are subject to food safety and labeling regulations, while nutraceuticals may be regulated as dietary supplements or pharmaceuticals, depending on the country and specific regulations. 12/16/2024 Impacts of Functional Food on Human Health The impact of functional foods on human health has been extensively studied. Research has shown that they can have a range of benefits, including:- Reducing the risk of chronic diseases: Many functional foods contain compounds that can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Improving digestive health: Probiotics and fiber are both important for maintaining a healthy digestive system. They can help to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Boosting immunity: Many functional foods contain compounds that can help to boost the immune system, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. 12/16/2024 Impacts of Functional Food on Human Health Improving cognitive function: Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health and have been shown to improve cognitive function in both children and adults. Overall, functional foods can have a significant impact on human health. They can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve digestive health, boost immunity, and improve cognitive function. Incorporating functional foods into your diet can be an effective way to improve your overall health and wellbeing. 12/16/2024 Categories Functional foods are generally separated into two categories: 1. conventional and 2. modified. 3.Conventional foods are natural, whole-food ingredients that are rich in important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats. 2.Meanwhile, modified foods have been fortified with additional ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, or fiber, to increase a food’s health benefits. 12/16/2024 Categories Here are some examples of conventional functional foods: Fruits: berries, kiwi, pears, peaches, apples, oranges, bananas Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, zucchini Nuts: almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts Seeds: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds Legumes: black beans, chickpeas, navy beans, lentils Whole grains: oats, barley, buckwheat, brown rice, couscous Seafood: salmon, sardines, mackerel, cod Fermented foods: tempeh, kombucha, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut Herbs and spices: turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper Beverages: coffee, green tea, black tea 12/16/2024 Categories Here are some examples of modified functional foods: fortified juices fortified dairy products, such as milk and yogurt fortified milk alternatives, such as almond, rice, coconut, and cashew milk fortified grains, such as bread and pasta fortified cereal and granola fortified eggs 12/16/2024 Categories Nutraceuticals: Some examples of nutraceuticals- Vitamins: Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B complex. Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish oil supplements, algae-based supplements. Probiotics: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Saccharomyces boulardii. Herbal Extracts: Ginseng, echinacea, valerian root, ginkgo biloba. Antioxidants: Coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid. Amino Acids: L-arginine, L-carnitine, glutamine. Fiber Supplements: Psyllium husk, methylcellulose, inulin. Enzymes: Digestive enzymes, systemic enzymes. Phytochemicals: Polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids. 12/16/2024 Functional Foods Health benefits Functional foods are associated with several potential health benefits. May prevent nutrient deficiencies Functional foods are typically high in important nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and fiber. Filling your diet with a variety of functional foods — including both conventional and fortified foods — can help ensure you get the nutrients you need and protect against nutrient deficiencies. May protect against disease Many are especially rich in antioxidants. These molecules help neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals, helping prevent cell damage and certain chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Some functional foods are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy type of fat shown to reduce inflammation, boost brain function, and promote heart health. Other types are rich in fiber, which can promote better blood sugar control and protect against conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and stroke. 12/16/2024 Fiber may also help prevent digestive disorders, including diverticulitis, stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, and Functional Foods Health benefits May promote proper growth and development Enjoying a wide range of nutrient-rich functional foods as part of a healthy diet can help ensure that nutritional needs are met. In addition, it can be beneficial to include foods that are fortified with specific nutrients that are important for growth and development. For example, cereals, grains, and flours are often fortified with B vitamins like folic acid, which is essential for fetal health. Low levels of folic acid can increase the risk of neural tube defects, which can affect the brain, spinal cord, or spine. It’s estimated that increasing the consumption of folic acid could decrease the prevalence of neural tube defects by 50–70%. Other nutrients commonly found in functional foods also play key roles in growth and development, including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin 12/16/2024 B12. Functional Foods Health benefits Recommended Functional food Bioactive Health benefit amount or component frequency of intake Fortified margarines Plant sterol and stanol Reduce total and LDL cholesterol 1.3 g/d for sterols esters 1.7 g/d for stanols Psyllium Soluble fiber Reduce total and LDL cholesterol 1 g/d Soy Protein Reduce total and LDL cholesterol 25 g/d Whole oat products β-Glucan Reduce total and LDL cholesterol 3 g/d Cranberry juice Proanthocyanidins Reduce urinary tract infections 300 mL/d Fatty fish (n-3) Fatty acids Reduce TG, reduce heart disease cardiac 2/wk deaths and fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction Garlic Organosulfur compounds Reduce total and LDL cholesterol 600–900 mg/d Green tea Catechins Reduce risk of certain types of cancer Unknown Spinach, kale, Lutein/zeaxanthin Reduce risk of age-related macular 6 mg/d collard greens degeneration Tomatoes and Lycopene Reduce risk prostate cancer Daily processed tomato products Lamb, turkey, beef, CLA Reduce breast cancer Unknown dairy Cruciferous, vegetables Glucosinolates, indoles Reduce risk of certain types of cancer 12/16/2024 3 or more servings/wk Dietary supplements to boost the immune system all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) 12/16/2024 Dietary Habits and Intestinal Immunity 12/16/2024 Dietary Habits and health 12/16/2024 Dietary Habits and health 12/16/2024 Daily reference intakes for adults Daily reference intakes for adults are: What nutrients are important as we age? Energy: 8,400kJ/2,000kcal. Calcium. Calcium is important for healthy Total fat: less than 70g. bones, Saturates: less than 20g. muscles and nerves and helps prevent Carbohydrate: at least 260g. osteoporosis. Total sugars: 90g. Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb Protein: 50g. and use calcium for healthy bones and Salt: less than 6g. muscles. Vitamin B12.... Sodium.... Sugar.... Saturated Fat. 12/16/2024 Daily reference intakes for adults In order to estimate nutritional requirements of individuals or groups, we need to consider the following factors: Physical activity — whether a person is engaged in heavy physical activity The age and sex of the individual or group Body size and composition — what the general build is of a person or group Climate — whether a person or group is living in hot or cold climate Physiological states, such as pregnancy and lactation. Based on these factors, nutritional requirements in the different segments of the population can be classified into four groups. These correspond to different parts of the lifespan, namely (a) pregnancy and lactation, (b)infancy and childhood (c) adolescence and adulthood, and (d)old age. 12/16/2024 Daily reference intakes for adults Daily reference intakes (DRIs) are a set of nutrient reference values used to guide healthy dietary intake for different population groups, including adults. These values are established by various health organizations and governments to promote optimal health and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Here are some common DRIs for adults: Macronutrients: Protein: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day (g/kg/day) for most adults. Example: For a sedentary adult weighing 70 kilograms (154 pounds), the recommended protein intake would be approximately 56 grams per day. Carbohydrates: No specific DRI is established for carbohydrates, but they should make up 45-65% of total daily calories. Example: For a 2,000-calorie diet, this would equate to 225-325 grams of carbohydrates per day. Fat: No specific DRI is established for fat, but it should make up 20-35% of total daily calories. 12/16/2024 Example: For a 2,000-calorie diet, this would equate to 44-78 grams of fat per day. Daily reference intakes for adults Micronutrients: Vitamins: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) values are established for various vitamins, including: Vitamin A: 700-900 micrograms Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE) for men and 600-700 micrograms RAE for women. Vitamin C: 75-90 milligrams for men and 65-75 milligrams for women. Vitamin D: 600-800 International Units (IU) for adults up to age 70, and 800-1000 IU for adults over 70. Vitamin E: 15 milligrams (22.4 IU) for both men and women. Vitamin K: 120 micrograms for men and 90 micrograms for women. Minerals: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI) values are established for various minerals, including: Calcium: 1,000-1,200 milligrams for adults up to age 50, and 1,200 milligrams for adults over 50. Iron: 8-18 milligrams for adult men and 8-18 milligrams for adult women, depending on age and reproductive status. Magnesium: 400-420 milligrams for adult men and 310-320 milligrams for adult women. Potassium: 3,400-3,500 milligrams for adult men and 2,600-2,800 milligrams for adult 12/16/2024 Daily reference intakes for adults These values may vary depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and specific health conditions. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine personalized nutrient needs. 12/16/2024 Functional Foods in Your Diet Incorporating Functional Foods in Your Diet Incorporating functional foods into the diet can be easily achieved with a little thought and planning, and does not have to be expensive. Including an abundance of plant foods as well as healthy protein and dairy foods in your diet is a sure way to increase your intake of functional foods. Consider these tips: 1. Fill most of your plate with plant foods With each meal, consider filling half of your plate with fruits and veggies among other plant-based foods such as whole grains, beans, nuts, and soy. Phytochemicals are specific type of bioactive compounds that are found in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, so by consuming more of these foods on a regular basis, will help to increase consumption of health promoting phytochemicals. 2. Select a variety of colors When choosing plant foods such as fruits and vegetables, select a variety of colors. Phytochemicals often present themselves in the form of a color but are found in white or colorless foods as well. Often, it is foods with the most vibrant colors that have the most abundant source of beneficial phytochemicals. 12/16/2024 Functional Foods in Your Diet 3. Choose a variety of foods Choose a variety of foods among all of the food groups, being thoughtful to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy. Also choose a variety of foods within each food group. Choose a variety of different fruits and vegetables, a variety of grains such as rice, wheat, quinoa, and oats. Vary proteins in your diet including fish, poultry, soy, beans, and nuts. And, if you consume dairy, think about consuming milk, yogurt, cheese. It is important to remember that there is no “magic bullet” when considering what to eat and how to best support health. No one food can provide all the essential nutrients needed to sustain life. Toss roasted broccoli with olive oil, crushed garlic, and a bit of lemon juice. Top a bowl of oatmeal with chopped walnuts and blueberries, and sprinkle with flaxseed. Roast beets and top with a savory yogurt sauce. Drizzle sliced tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and chopped basil. Add salmon to a bed of spinach topped with sliced strawberries, slivered almonds, and a lemony poppy seed dressing. Make a bean salad with a variety of beans, diced onion, edamame, cherry tomatoes, 12/16/2024 and a Functional Foods in Your Diet 4. Prepare foods in a variety of ways Different preparation techniques can have different impacts on foods and their nutrients. Cooking with heat may destroy some compounds but enhance the bioavailability of others, and this may vary among foods. For example, vitamin C is sensitive to high heat, and some may be destroyed when heated, whereas vitamin A is more stable to heat and, in fact, may increase in availability when heated. For instance, when processing, heating and adding a fat such as olive oil to tomatoes, a phytochemical and carotenoid called lycopene found in tomatoes increases in availability for the body to use and may have beneficial health effects. 5. Reduce intake of highly processed foods Highly processed foods are generally low in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, But high in refined sugar, sodium, and saturated fat, which are consumed in excess by many Americans and the culprit behind many chronic diseases impacting our population today. Reducing intake of highly processed foods will leave room in the diet for more whole, nourishing foods. That is not to say these must be eliminated entirely. Everything can be enjoyed in moderation, if your health allows. 12/16/2024 Balance is the key to enjoying eating, while at the same time providing the body with the Rice bran as a Functional Food Rice bran is a by product of the rice milling process; The major portion of this is used as animal feed or discarded as waste material. It constitutes 10% of rice, with a potential global production of 48 million tons per year. Rice bran is attracting attention from researchers because it is widely available, cheap and rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, bioactive compounds and dietary fiber. Many food‐processing techniques that have improved rice bran resources have been pioneered, such as enzyme treatment and fermentation. Experiments revealed that rice bran and its active compounds, such as γ‐oryzanol, tocopherol, tocotrienol, adenosine and ferulic acid, play a role as a functional food. 12/16/2024 What is the role of functional foods in human health and disease? Functional foods provide important nutrients that can help protect against disease. Many are especially rich in antioxidants. These molecules help neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals, helping prevent cell damage and certain chronic conditions, Improve Gut Health, Heart Health, Bone Health, Cognitive Function, Immune Function, Help in Weight Management, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Hence functional foods play a crucial role in promoting human health and preventing diseases by providing essential nutrients, supporting gut health, aiding in weight management, protecting heart health, 12/16/2024 Characteristics of functional foods to meet health and nutritional needs Functional foods possess specific characteristics that enable them to meet health and nutritional needs beyond basic sustenance. Here are some key characteristics of functional foods:- 1. Nutrient Density: Functional foods are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. They provide a high concentration of beneficial compounds per serving, helping individuals meet their daily nutritional requirements. 2. Bioactive Compounds: Functional foods contain bioactive compounds, such as phytochemicals, flavonoids, polyphenols, and probiotics, which offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other physiological effects that contribute to overall health and well-being. 12/16/2024 Characteristics of functional foods to meet health and nutritional needs 3.Targeted Health Benefits: Functional foods are designed to provide specific health benefits or address particular health concerns. They may target various body systems and functions, such as heart health, digestive health, immune function, cognitive function, bone health, and weight management. 4.Whole Food Sources: Many functional foods come from natural, whole food sources, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, and dairy products. Whole foods provide a combination of nutrients and bioactive compounds that work synergistically to promote health and prevent disease. 5.Fortification and Enrichment: Some functional foods are fortified or enriched with additional nutrients to enhance their health-promoting properties. For example, fortified breakfast cereals may be enriched with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin D to address nutrient deficiencies and support overall health. 12/16/2024 Characteristics of functional foods to meet health and nutritional needs 6.Low in Unhealthy Components: Functional foods are often low in unhealthy components such as saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars. They promote health by providing essential nutrients while minimizing the intake of harmful substances that can contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. 7.Evidence-Based Health Claims: Functional foods may be supported by scientific evidence demonstrating their efficacy in promoting health and preventing diseases. Health claims associated with functional foods are based on rigorous research and clinical trials that validate their beneficial effects on human health. 8.Diverse and Palatable Options: Functional foods encompass a wide variety of foods and beverages that cater to different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. They include fresh produce, dairy products, whole grains, fermented foods, plant- based proteins, and functional beverages, providing consumers with diverse options to incorporate into their diets. 12/16/2024 Functional ingredients and their role in diseases related to men and women Functional ingredients are components of foods or food products that provide specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition These ingredients can play a role in preventing or managing various diseases and health conditions in both men and women. Here are some common functional ingredients and their roles in diseases related to men and women: 1. Heart Disease: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease in both men and women. Soluble Fiber: Found in oats, legumes, and fruits, soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar control, and reduce the risk of heart disease. 2. Osteoporosis: Calcium: Essential for bone health, calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods can help prevent osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in women who are more prone to bone density loss. Vitamin D: Works synergistically with calcium to promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis. Sun exposure and fortified foods are common sources of 12/16/2024 Functional ingredients and their role in diseases related to men and women 3. Breast Cancer: Phytoestrogens: Found in soy products, flaxseeds, and legumes, phytoestrogens may help reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers, including breast cancer, by competing with estrogen for receptor sites. Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale contain compounds that may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of breast cancer. 4. Prostate Cancer: Lycopene: Found in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, lycopene is a potent antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. Selenium: Found in nuts, seeds, and seafood, selenium has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer due to its antioxidant properties. 5. Diabetes: Fiber: Found in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in both men and women. Cinnamon: Some studies suggest that cinnamon may help improve insulin 12/16/2024 Functional ingredients and their role in diseases related to men and women 6. Cognitive Decline: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: DHA and EPA, found in fatty fish, may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease by promoting brain health and reducing inflammation. Antioxidants: Found in berries, leafy greens, and nuts, antioxidants protect brain cells from oxidative damage and may help maintain cognitive function as people age. 7. Digestive Health: Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods promote gut health by maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal flora, improving digestion, and supporting immune function in both men and women. Prebiotics: Found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas, prebiotics serve as fuel for probiotics, helping them thrive and exert their beneficial effects on digestive health. Incorporating a variety of these functional ingredients into a balanced diet can help men and women maintain optimal health and reduce the risk of various diseases and health conditions. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, especially for 12/16/2024 individuals with existing health concerns. Glossary Synbiotics Synbiotics refer to food ingredients or dietary supplements combining probiotics and prebiotics in a form of synergism, hence synbiotics 12/16/2024 Glossary Functional ingredients: A functional ingredient is a bioactive compound that can be used in the manufacture of functional food products. These bioactive compounds can be obtained from a variety of sources such as primary produce, marine sources, microorganisms and inorganic raw materials. 12/16/2024 12/16/2024 Probiotics Definition: Live microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits, particularly for the gut. Key Role: Restore and maintain a healthy gut microbiota. Enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. Support immune function and may reduce inflammation. Sources: Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso. Supplements containing strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Example Strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (aids digestion). Bifidobacterium bifidum (supports immunity). 12/16/2024 Prebiotics Definition: Non-digestible food components (typically fibers) that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria, stimulating their growth and activity. Key Role: Feed and nourish probiotics. Support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. Improve gut health, promote regularity, and may aid in reducing inflammation. Sources: Foods rich in soluble fiber, such as: Garlic Onions Bananas (especially unripe) Asparagus Chicory root (inulin) Fiber supplements like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS). 12/16/2024 Synbiotics Definition: Products that combine both probiotics and prebiotics in a way that they work synergistically to enhance gut health. Key Role: Deliver live beneficial microorganisms (probiotics). Provide the food (prebiotics) necessary for the probiotics to thrive. Enhance the colonization of probiotics in the gut. Offer comprehensive gut health benefits. Examples: Certain functional foods and supplements formulated to include both prebiotics and probiotics (e.g., yogurt fortified with inulin or chicory root). Synbiotic products often combine strains like Lactobacillus with prebiotics like FOS. 12/16/2024 12/16/2024 Glossary Obesity is a medical condition characterized by accumulation of excess body fat Cardiovascular diseases (CVD, including heart disease and stroke), represent the primary cause of death, with high negative impact on both human health and community The Intestinal Health : Proper functioning of the digestive tract, with both its chemical and muscular activity, is essential to health. Digestive disorders are on the increase. About 38 million Americans suffer from a variety of digestive problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, celiac 12/16/2024 Glossary Food Supplements According to the US Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, the term "dietary supplement" can be defined using several criteria; namely (a) a product (other than tobacco) that is intended to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, a mineral, an herb or other botanical, an amino acid, a dietary substance for use by man to supplement the diet by increasing the total daily intake, or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combinations of these ingredients , (b) a product intended for ingestion in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid 12/16/2024 form, (c) a product not represented for use as a The EnD 12/16/2024