Requirements of bioactive compounds for health claims

Abstract

Bioactive compounds are extra nutritionally active ingredients in food from plant and animal origin. They include polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, vitamins, minerals, terpenoids, dietary fibers, omega, and poly saturated fatty acids) from vegetables, fruits, spices, nuts, cereals, herbal products, legumes medicinal plants, probiotics, prebiotics as well as those from fungal, algal and animal sources, and other natural antioxidants. In recent times, there is growing evidence from epidemiological and experimental data that bioactive compounds in foods have positive health benefits. These bioactive compounds include, are capable of managing weight, modulating genes, enhancing good health as well as preventing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, erectile dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, heart and respiratory infections to mention a few. This fact has propelled a diligent review of the requirement for these health claims. This chapter discusses the need and regulatory aspects of bioactive compounds from food for health claims. It compiles the fundamental processes that should be considered by researchers on the health claims for bioactive compounds. These requirements are meant to protect consumers from frauds perpetrated by manufacturers on nutraceutical products. Bioactive compounds' requirements for health claims may originate from laboratory findings and proceeds to systematic clinical trials to guarantee safety, provide information on bioavailability and efficacy of nutraceutical products.