FEATURED Book Chapter Detail

Safety and Quality of Nutraceuticals

Muhammad Arshad^1*, Kinza Mubeen², Zoha Ali², Afsheen Ghazala², Faiza Zubair¹

¹Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

²Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

*For Correspondence

arshad.sarwar@uos.edu.pk

Nutraceuticals, derived from bioactive compounds, offer health benefits and serve as natural alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals. Despite their appeal, these products face significant challenges in safety and quality due to less stringent regulations and inconsistent standards globally. The examination of current regulatory frameworks in various countries, utilizing official sources and databases, reveals the complexities of quality, safety, product development, regulatory discrepancies, and authenticity affecting nutraceuticals. The global expansion of the nutraceutical market further complicates regulatory enforcement and the substantiation of efficacy and safety claims. To address these issues, the establishment of an effective system promoting cooperation among consumers, healthcare professionals, and government entities is imperative. Such a system would contribute to the creation of international standards and botanical references, thereby increasing transparency and trust in both processes and products. Additionally, the role of emerging technologies in enhancing systems engineering through information sharing and resource utilization across nations is explored. In conclusion, the current state of nutraceutical regulation is insufficient, leading to questionable claims often unsupported by robust evidence. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering a culture of integrity are crucial to guarantee product efficacy and safety, facilitate monitoring, and bolster the confidence of both consumers and healthcare providers. 

Keywords

Nutraceutical, Therapeutic Effect, Quality, Safety, Regulations