COMPLEMENTARY NUTRITION: Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements.

COMPLEMENTARY NUTRITION:

Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements

We’ve talked about food groups and many specific nutrients in food.

However, almost all foods are composed of hundreds or thousands of different types of molecules.

Many of these are known (or suspected) to provide benefits beyond the three basic nutritional roles we discussed last week: a) providing energy, b) providing building blocks for cellular and extracellular structures, and c) regulating cellular processes.

We’ve talked about food groups and many specific nutrients in food.

However, almost all foods are composed of hundreds or thousands of different types of molecules.

Many of these are known (or suspected) to provide benefits beyond the three basic nutritional roles we discussed last week: a) providing energy, b) providing building blocks for cellular and extracellular structures, and c) regulating cellular processes.

Foods which provide these added benefits are known as functional foods.

Functional Foods

For example:

Many foods contain functional compounds which act as antioxidants, protecting cells from highly damaging chemicals called “oxygen free radicals.”

Functional Foods

For example:


Some foods contain functional compounds which help cells of the immune system attack bacteria or viruses.

Functional Foods

For example:



Some foods contain functional compounds which help the digestive system absorb nutrients.

Functional Foods

For example:



Some foods contain functional compounds which help the digestive system absorb nutrients.

Some foods contain functional compounds which block the growth of cancers.

Functional Foods

Examples:

Some foods contain functional compounds which protect the cells of the retina from degenerating.

Functional Foods

Examples:


Some foods contain functional compounds which reduce the concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood

Functional Foods

Examples:



Some foods contain functional compounds which block inflammation and/or reduce fever

Functional Foods

Examples:



Some foods contain functional compounds which block inflammation and/or reduce fever

Some foods contain functional compounds which strengthen bone and/or tooth growth

Functional Foods

There are hundreds of known “functional compounds” in “functional foods”. Table 3.1 in your textbook lists some of these along with their health benefits.

Functional Foods


Many of these functional compounds are naturally occuring chemicals in plants – we call these phytochemicals when they provide specific health benefits.

Functional Foods


Many of these functional compounds are naturally occuring chemicals in plants – we call these phytochemicals when they provide specific health benefits.

In fact, phytochemicals are a major reasons why federal dietary guidelines recommend lots of fruits and vegetables – one serving of a fruit or vegetable may have as many as 100 different phytochemicals

Functional Foods

Many foods are “fortified” by adding additional amounts of functional compounds which theynaturally contain:

For example:

Milk fortified with calcium

Orange juice fortified with vitamin C

Yogurt fortified with live active cultures

Margarines fortified with plant sterols

etc.

Additives:

In other cases, things are added to foods which do not normally contain them: These are called additives.

These function to:

1. Enhance flavor or add color 2. Add nutritional value 3. Prevent spoiling 4. Produce a specific consistency 5. Maintain acidity/alkalinity or provide leavening

Additives:

The most common additives are: Salt Sugar Corn syrup Food colors

But: Hundreds of different additives are used in a variety of foods.

Fortified Foods and Additives:

Thus:

Adding vitamin C to orange juice would be “fortifying” it (since orange juice naturally contains some)

but

Vitamin C added to bread would be an “additive” since grains do not naturally contain it.

Fortified Foods and Additives:

Thus:

Adding vitamin C to orange juice would be “fortifying” it (since orange juice naturally contains some)

but

Vitamin C added to bread would be an “additive” since grains do not naturally contain it.

This difference is important, since additives are more closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure safety.

The FDA must approve an additive before it can be put on the market.

There are four regulatory categories

1) Food additives

2) Color additives

Additives:



1) Food additives

2) Color additives

Additives:

Research evidence must show that the additive a) is safe at the expected

levels of consumption b) performs its intended

function



1) Food additives

2) Color additives

3) “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) substances

4) Prior (<1958) sanctioned substances.

Additives:

The FDA must approve an additive before it can be put on the market – AT LEAST IN THEORY


1) Food additives

2) Color additives

3) “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) substances

4) Prior (<1958) sanctioned substances.

Additives:


In reality: The FDA allows the food producers to determine the safety of additives.

Since 1958, more than 4,000 new ingredients have been added to food in the US without this prior approval under the “generally recognized as safe” provision

but

Food companies are not required to document this

Additives:


In reality: The FDA allows the food producers to determine the safety of additives.

According to one group, the Pew Health Group:

Since 1958, the FDA:

Has reviewed 7,000 substances added to food

Has been informed of 3,000 substances it did not review

Was never informed of 1,000 substances

Additives:

The FDA must approve a food or color additive before it can be put on the market, based on research evidence that 1. It is safe at the expected levels of consumption

2. It performs its intended function

An additional stipulation, known as the “Delaney Clause”, prohibits the use of an additive, even at very low concentrations, which has been shown to cause cancer in humans or animals.

Additives:

Functional Foods and Additives:

If it meets FDA guidelines, afood company may make claims about nutrient content and/or health benefits on the food label regarding functional compounds and additives.

It may also claim that a functional compound or additive has a benefit for the structure or function of the body.

Dietary Supplements:

Unlike additives, which require prior approval by the Food and Drug Administration, dietary supplements can be put on the market without such approval as long as

1. The word “supplement” is clearly written on the label

2. The label includes ingredient information and a “supplement facts panel”.


Unlike additives, which require prior approval by the Food and Drug Administration, dietary supplements can be put on the market without such approval as long as

1. The word “supplement” is clearly written on the label

2. The label includes ingredient information and a “supplement facts panel”.

3. Health claims can be made without prior FDA approval, but must follow the same guidelines as those for foods and additives.


Most dietary supplements are either minerals or vitamins, for which the dietary reference intakes we discussed earlier (Estimated Average Requirement, Recommended Dietary Allowance, Adequate Intake, Tolerable Upper Intake Level) are established.

.


Most dietary supplements are either minerals or vitamins, for which the dietary reference intakes we discussed earlier (Estimated Average Requirement, Recommended Dietary Allowance, Adequate Intake, Tolerable Upper Intake Level) are established.

Other supplements, however, may include herbs, amino acids, or combinations of different compounds


Herbs:EchinaceaGarlic extractGinkgo balboaChamomile GingerGinsengGlucosamineSalviaSt. John’s wortWillow bark etc.


Herbs:EchinaceaGarlic extractGinkgo balboaChamomile GingerGinsengGlucosamineSalviaSt. John’s wortWillow bark etc.

Amino Acids:ArginineCysteineGlutaimineGlycineLysineMethionineTaurineTryptophanTyrosineValine etc.


While most people do not need supplements, they are recommended in moderate doses for individuals with some special needs, for example:

Pregnant or breastfeeding womenElderlyInfants and childrenPeople on restricted dietsPeople with serious illnesses etc.

Very high doses (“megadoses”, 10x or more the recommended amount) of a supplement may be used in some situations, for example:

Malabsorption syndrome

Pernicious anemia

Serious deficiencies caused by illness or treatment

However: Megadoses can be harmful or even fatal if used incorrectly


(Megadoses can be harmful or fatal if used incorrectly)

For example:

Megadoses of gingko balboa can cause internal bleeding/strokes

Megadoses of potassium can cause excessive levels of sodium in the blood.

Megadoses of calcium can block absorption of iron & zinc, and can cause calcium deposits in tissues throughout

the body.


(Megadoses can be harmful or fatal if used incorrectly)

For example:

Megadoses of vitamin A can damage nerves, liver, bones

Megadoses of vitamin B3 (niacin) can damage the liver

Megadoses of vitamin D can damage the kidneys & heart

Megadoses of vitamins A or D in pregnant women increase the risk of birth defects


Choosing Dietary Supplements

Does your body need the supplement?

Is the quantity enough to have an effect?

Is the product new to you? Do you know its effects?

Consider the dosage used. Is it safe?

Who is selling the product?

A good indicator of quality is the

U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) mark.

With any food, additive, or supplement: Beware of fraudulent product claims

Clues:“Secret cure”, “biggest discovery”, etcPseudomedical jargon (e.g. “detoxify”)Claims to cure a wide range of diseasesLists only benefits but no side effectsBacked by “Scientific research” you can’t find

Available only online, by mail, etc.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true…

COMPLEMENTARY NUTRITION: Functional Foods and Dietary Supplements.

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