Skip to content
Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

The Role of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Manisha Sharma, Vidhya C. S., Komal Ojha, Yashwanth B. S., Barinderjit Singh, Soni Gupta, Shivam Kumar Pandey

European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety · pp. 61–83 · Published 19 Feb 2024

10.9734/ejnfs/2024/v16i21388

Abstract

Functional foods containing bioactive compounds may help prevent chronic conditions and promote wellness beyond basic nutrition. Likewise, dietary nutraceutical supplements show promise for reducing disease risk. This review synthesizes current evidence regarding effects of key functional foods and nutraceuticals on outcomes related to cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammation, immunity, microbiome health, and integrative markers of metabolic health. We specifically summarize findings from clinical trials and experimental studies on foods (e.g. fatty fish, soy, cocoa, nuts, berries, yogurt) and nutritional supplements (e.g. probiotics, vitamins, omega fatty acids, phytochemicals). Collectively, data supports that achieving optimal intake of certain bioactive functional food components may help reduce morbidity and mortality from highly prevalent chronic illnesses. However, further research should continue investigating mechanisms of action, safe effective dosages, nutrigenomic responses, and strategies to improve consumer selection and adherence. Ultimately nutrition-based lifestyle approaches emphasizing functional foods and nutraceuticals aligned with dietary guidance have potential to significantly impact public health by filling nutritional gaps, regulating disease pathways, and promoting protective responses.

Functional foods nutraceuticals dietary supplements bioactive nutrients disease prevention chronic disease cardiovascular inflammation immunity

Cited by 36

Beneficial Effect of Nutraceuticals on Liver Diseases

Saurav Sarkar, Prajna Gupta, Gouranga Nandi · The Role of Nutraceuticals in Degenerative Diseases (Part 2) · 2026

Nutraceutical: A Promising Era for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment

Sharuti Koundal, Monika Devi, Kapil Kumar Verma · Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics · 2025

Identification of Bioactive Phytomarkers in Fruits of “Nance” (Byrsonima bucidifolia), a Traditional Fruit Consumed in Yucatan, Mexico

Mónica Anahí Guillen‐Poot, Gloria Ivonne Hernández‐Bolio, Neith Pacheco · Chemistry & Biodiversity · 2025

Nutritional and Nutraceutical Support to the Failing Myocardium: A Possible Way of Potentiating the Current Treatment of Heart Failure

Roberta Macrì, Rocco Mollace, Maria Serra · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2024

Dietary Modulation of Metabolic Health: From Bioactive Compounds to Personalized Nutrition

Aleksandra Leziak, Julia Lipina, Magdalena Reclik · Metabolites · 2025

Introduction: Definition and basics of functional foods

Surabhi Pandey, Poornima Singh, Sweekriti Choudhry · Handbook of Functional Foods · 2026

Future trends in Food Science and Foodomics: a perspective view by the Editorial Team of Exploration of Foods and Foodomics

Elena Ibáñez, Carlo Bicchi, Francesco Capozzi · Exploration of Foods and Foodomics · 2024

Functional and Organic Foods in Enhancing the Oral and Dental Health and Hygiene—A Comprehensive Review

Elahe Aleebrahim‐Dehkordi, Ahmad Sheibaninia, Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti · Food Science & Nutrition · 2026

Exceeding the Limits with Nutraceuticals: Looking Towards Parkinson’s Disease and Frailty

Martina Montanari, Nicola Biagio Mercuri, Giuseppina Martella · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2024

Showing 20 of 36 known citations — external sources report more than can currently be individually listed.

Article metrics

Real usage data collected on this platform.

0

Page views

0

PDF downloads

0

Outbound clicks

36

Citations

Views by country

Approximate, from request IP at view time — not citizenship or institution. Countries with fewer than 5 views are grouped as "Other".

No views recorded yet.

Traffic sources

Referring site, by host.

No traffic recorded yet.

Views and downloads exclude known bots/crawlers. Citations combines this platform's own DOI-resolved index with each external source's own reported total — see Cited by above for individually listed citing works. Last refreshed 0 seconds ago.