Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods & Bioactive Compounds

Nutraceuticals and functional foods play an important role in clinical nutrition by providing targeted health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Bioactive compounds such as antioxidants, polyphenols, probiotics, peptides, and plant extracts support immune function, metabolic health, gut integrity, cognitive performance, and chronic disease management. Clinicians use nutraceutical interventions to complement dietary therapy, address nutrient deficiencies, and enhance physiological resilience. Evidence-based evaluation helps determine safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing for specific conditions. Functional foods are incorporated into individualized diets to reduce inflammation, improve lipid profiles, support digestive health, and strengthen overall wellbeing. As research expands, nutraceuticals continue gaining importance as integrated tools in personalized nutrition and preventive healthcare.