Nutraceuticals

Dietary supplements are available in a variety of applications. From vege and gelatine capsules to tableting and dry blended beverage mixes. These supplements have a range of ingredients and include vitamins, chelated minerals and amino acids. Also included are herbal extracts, MCC and actives. Dietary supplements need to be practical to consume and provide nutritional value.

Ingredients containing compounds that have a positive effect on living organisms, tissues or cells over and above their basic nutritional value and can be used in the manufacture of functional food products are known as functional ingredients. The idea that overall health can improve by a mindful diet is not a new concept, it has however taken on a new shape. Healthy foods are more than nutritional value thanks to nutritional science and modern culinary style.

Proteins are a necessity for building bones, muscles, cartilage and skin. A lack of protein may lead to a deterioration in health and your immune system. It can compromise growth and development. Vegetable proteins contain a high vitamin profile, nutrients and fibre. These proteins can be used in new and existing formulas to provide added nutritional benefits to your products. Vegetable proteins include pea, yeast, rice, soy and hemp.

Vitamins and minerals are essential for many bodily functions including helping our bodies fight infection, repairing tissue and regulating hormones. Every day our bodies produce bone, muscle and skin. Our bodies produce red blood cells to carry nutrients and oxygen around the body and it sends nerve signals to and from the brain. In order for our bodies to do this effectively it requires vitamins, minerals and other dietary components. Vitamins and minerals are known as micronutrients and exist in small amounts inside the human body. These micronutrients have a large role in maintaining life and vital activities. The human body is unable to synthesize vitamins and minerals on its own. These micronutrients need to be ingested.

Vitamins are organic compounds and can be water soluble or fat soluble found in plants or animals. Minerals are inorganic, naturally occurring compounds found in rocks, soil and water. Minerals can be absorbed by growing plants or by the animals that feed off the plants.

Nutraceuticals used in conjunction with botanical herbal extracts have a synergistic effect – promoting optimal nutrition and wellness, reduction of risk factors for disease and recovery from acute and chronic illness. Botanicals have a vast array of functions. When added to nutraceuticals these functions can include immune support, blood pressure control, fatigue and anxiety support.

Amino Acids are molecules that when combined, form proteins. Amino acids are essential to many functions in the human body. They assist in breaking down our food during digestion, promote growth and repair of body tissue and have pivotal roles in hormone production. Amino acids also play a major role in increasing muscle mass and strength, delaying the onset of fatigue and boosting our immune system.

There are three classifications of Amino Acids:

• Essential Amino Acids: Essential Amino Acids are found in foods. As the human body is unable to produce these amino acids, it is essential to us to consume them through a number of nutritional sources.
• Nonessential Amino Acids: Termed nonessential, as the body naturally produces these Amino Acids and does not rely on us consuming them.
• Conditional Amino Acids: Some nonessential Amino Acids are classified as conditional. When we are sick or under a large amount of stress, these nonessential amino acids are considered essential.