Role of Nutraceuticals in Diabetes

Nutraceutical is a term coined to describe substance which are not traditionally recognized nutrients but which have positive physiological effects on human health body. Nutraceutical is a combination of 2 words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical” was coined in 1989 by Stephen L. De Felice, founder and chairman of the Foundation of Innovation Medicine.  A food habit has been change. Consumption of junk food has increased which lead to number of diseases related to nutritional deficiencies. Nutraceuticals can play an important role in controlling them. No wonder more people are turning towards nutraceuticals. A nutraceutical is any substance that is a food or a part of food and provides medical or health benefits, including prevention and treatment of disease. Products range from nutrients, dietary supplements. Over the last 20 years numbers of Nutraceuticals are available for self medication for sale. There has been a sale of Nutraceuticals because Adverse effects of pharmaceuticals.  Increased tendency of patients for self medications.

Classification of Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals is a term used to describe products obtained from food sources that provide extra health benefits as well as basic nutritional value present in food. These are different type of products that comes under the class of nutraceuticals. Potential Nutraceuticals: - Is one that holds a promise of a particular health or medical benefits. Established Nutraceuticals: - potential nutraceutical become established one after there is sufficient clinical data to demonstrate such a benefit.

Food products used as Nutraceuticals

Prebiotic

Dietary fiber

Omega 3 fatty acids

Antioxidants

Nutraceuticals & Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder, where the body is unable to utilize carbohydrate due to absolute or relative lack of insulin, a hormone naturally produced by the ß cell of the islets of langerhans in pancreas. Soy and Omega-3 fatty acids can promote Insulin sensitivity and bring the blood sugar normal. E.g. Cinnamon tea and green tea can help people suffering with diabetes. Usually Diabetes and Obesity are linked with each other and (if they are not treated) they may cause cardio-vascular problems.

High isoflavone intake (20–100 mg/day) is associated with lower incidence and mortality rate of type II diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and certain cancers. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce glucose tolerance in diabetes. Coffee is another great nutraceutical. Lipoic acid is a universal antioxidant, now used in Germany for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Nutraceuticals and Natural Supplements for Treating Type 2 Diabetes

Nutraceuticals help to treat your diabetes. Caffeic acid can reduce elevated plasma glucose in the insulin-resistant patient. Cinnamon contains water-soluble compounds, known as polyphenols that can increase glucose metabolism, which helps lower blood levels. Bitter melon may activate an enzyme that is responsible for regulating metabolism and transporting glucose from the blood into the cells. Pomegranate is an antioxidant that keeps the body strong and is good for any disease state.                              

Nutraceutical and Disease

Nutraceutical are currently reorganization as being beneficial in Coronary heart disease, obesity Type 2 Diabetes, Cancers, Osteoporosis, Kidney disorders, Psychiatric disorders, Liver disorders.  Tea, lycopene, flaxseed, coenzyme Q10 is used for cancer. Soy protein, Lutein and lycopene may benefit in Coronary heart disease. Lycopene prevent from prostate cancer.  Coffee, cinnamon tea and green tea is helpful in type 2 diabetes. Melatonin, L- Carnitine is used for osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Glucosamine sulphate in several European countries used as first line of treatment for arthritis.

Future of Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals have significance promise in the promotion of human health and disease prevention. Increasing awareness levels about fitness health, are prompting the majority of people to lead, Healthier lifestyles, Exercise more, Eat healthy the expanding Nutraceuticals market indicates that end users are seeking minimally processed food.