Functional food refers to foods that go beyond basic nutritional functions and offer specific health-promoting benefits. Unlike supplements and medicines, functional food products are not separate categories but consist of conventional foods to which certain ingredients have been added or that inherently possess a high content of so-called "bioactive" substances to provide health benefits. Examples of bioactive compounds include antioxidants, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, or minerals. The main distinction between supplements and functional food products is that supplements are separate products presented as tablets, capsules, or powders that deliver specific nutrients in concentrated form, while functional food products are part of regular nutrition and available in the form of foods like yogurt, cereal, juices, or bars.
The Composition of Functional Food
These types of foods contain ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, probiotics, or antioxidants that promise specific health benefits. Due to their composition, they are often promoted with health-related claims based on scientific studies. Examples of such claims might be: "Supports digestion," "Strengthens the immune system," or "Promotes heart health."
At this point, it's also worth mentioning that there are manufacturers who use ingredients like vitamins not necessarily for their health-promoting effects, but simply to better market their inherently unhealthy products.
The Goal of Functional Food
Functional food can serve as a complement to a balanced diet, aiding in achieving various health goals such as bolstering the immune system, promoting digestive health, lowering cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health, enhancing cognitive functions, or reducing the risk of certain diseases like heart conditions, diabetes, or cancer.
It's important to note that functional food products, unlike medicines, do not have medical effects and should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet or medical treatments. However, they can be a meaningful addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
We place importance on functional food products meeting the health-related claims they're marketed with. For this reason, we seek reliable studies or research results that substantiate these claims.
The Strong Trend of Functional Food
The popularity and consequently the demand for functional food are substantial nowadays and continue to grow steadily. More and more people are interested in supporting their health and well-being through targeted nutrition. The growing trend toward a healthy lifestyle and increased awareness of the connections between diet and health have led to a rising demand for functional food. Additionally, the often hectic pace of life coupled with limited time favors the use of quick, convenient and healthy foods or meals.
Currently, the following functional food products are most common in practice:
Enriched grain products: For instance, cereal flakes or granola enriched with additional vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, or B vitamins to boost nutrient content.
Omega-3 enriched gummy candies: By adding essential omega-3 fatty acids and omitting sugar, this unhealthy treat becomes a healthy snack that complements daily nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids not only have anti-inflammatory effects but also promote heart health.
Probiotic yogurts: These contain live bacterial cultures like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, which support gut health and can bolster the immune system.
Enriched milk alternatives: Plant-based milk alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk can be fortified with additional nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to offer a similar nutritional value to cow's milk.
Protein-enriched foods: From breakfast cereal to pudding to pasta, foods with added protein are currently the most sought after and widely spread on the market.
In collaboration with our suppliers, we strive to offer innovative products with proven health benefits to meet your needs and your customers' expectations. If you're looking to introduce a functional Food product to the market but need support with formulation and production, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to getting to know you.
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