Abstract
Nutraceuticals are gaining importance owing to the increasing focus on
overall health due to recent pandemic. Nutraceuticals include products
which help in maintaining immunity and prevent diseases. It also
includes products which support the optimal functioning of the human
body. Poor nutrition plays an important role in non-communicable
diseases and lifestyle-related disorders as well. Hence it has
significant impact on overall public health. Various nutraceuticals have
exhibited therapeutic potential and hence gained popularity.
Nutraceuticals are mainly categorized into dietary supplements and
functional foods. With multiple factors contributing to the growth of
nutraceuticals industry in India, we are marching towards global
leadership in nutraceuticals. Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India is solely responsible for regulating the approval, promotions, and
labeling standards for health supplements and nutraceuticals. As the
understanding of these nutritional products is improving, the
regulations are becoming more specific. There is a need to monitor the
usage of such nutritional products regularly and stringently.
Nutrivigilance and phytovigilance are relatively new concepts in our
country; however, regulatory authorities need to proactively observe for
the undesirable, unintended effects and issues related to substandard
and counterfeit nutraceutical products. Healthcare professionals
including pharmaceutical physicians and public health professionals can
play an important role in safeguarding the population by advocating
rational use of nutraceuticals, food supplements, and consumer health
products.