Testing Efficacy of Functional Foods
- 1. DEPTT OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Course Code: FT18306DCE Course Title: Nutraceuticals and Functional foods Class: 3rd Sem En No: 22049110017 Submitted by: Zahid Parvaiz Submitted to: Dr Asima Shahi
- 2. TOPIC: TESTING EFFICACY OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS Introduction Methods of testing efficacy Steps/procedure of testing efficacy Case study: Omega-3 fatty acids Research tools Challenges and considerations Conclusion Reference Contents
- 3. According to the food and drug administration (FDA), there is no official definition for functional foods. The academy of nutrition and dietetics define functional foods as “whole foods along with fortified, enriched or enhanced foods that have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on regular basis at effective levels based on significant standards of evidence.” Functional food:- Functional foods are those bioactive containing foods that offer additional health benefits beyond their basic nutritional content. According to IFIC, “Functional foods are foods or dietary components that may provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition” INTRODUCTION
- 4. According to ILSI,“Foods that by virtue of physiologically active food components provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition”ional testing Functional testing:- Testing of food that provides an effective and scientific way to get the root cause of illness or disease. What is testing efficacy? Testing efficacy of functional foods involes assessing the effectiveness of food products in providing health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This type of testing evaluates whether the functional food delivers the intended physiological or health effects claimed by the manufacturer.
- 5. METHODS OF TESTING EFFICACY Clinical Trials:- Conducting controlled clinical trails with human participants is a robust method to evaluate the impact of functional foods. These trails can measure specific health outcomes such as improved cardiovascular health or enhanced immune function. Biomarker Analysis: Monitoring biomarkers related to specific health conditions or indicators of well-being can provide valuable insights. For example, assessing cholesterol levels, inflammation markers, or gut microbiota composition can help gauge the effectiveness of functional foods.
- 6. Longitudinal Studies: Observational studies over an extended period allow researchers to track the long-term effects of consuming functional foods. This method helps identify trends and patterns in health outcomes associated with regular consumption. Animal Studies: Animal models provide a controlled environment to study the physiological impact of functional foods. While findings may not directly translate to humans, these studies offer initial insights into potential mechanisms and effects.
- 7. STEPS IN TESTING EFFICACY OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS Define objectives ► Ethical Considerations Literature review ►Interpretation and reporting Selection of participants ► Peer review Randomization ► publication Intervention design Outcome measures Baseline measurements Blinding Data collection Statistical analysis
- 8. To illustrate the testing process, consider the evaluation of omega-3 fatty acids found in certain functional foods. Clinical trials can measure the impact on heart health by assessing factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Biomarker analysis may involve tracking levels of inflammatory markers. Longitudinal studies could observe the long-term effects on cognitive function and overall well-being. Case Study: Omega-3 Fatty acids
- 9. RESEARCH TOOLS HELPS VALIDATE EFFICACY OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
- 10. CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS Individual Variability: Responses to functional foods may vary among individuals due to genetic factors, lifestyle, and pre-existing health conditions. Dosage and Duration: Determining the optimal dosage and duration of consuming functional foods is crucial for accurate assessment. Publication Bias: Positive results are more likely to be published, potentially leading to an overestimation of the efficacy of functional foods.
- 11. Testing the efficacy of functional foods requires a multi-faceted approach, combining clinical trials, biomarker analysis, and longitudinal studies. Understanding the potential benefits and limitations of these methods is essential for making informed conclusions about the impact of functional foods on health and well-being. Conclusion
- 12. HTTPS://WWW.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV/PMC/ARTICLES/PMC7148547 / HANDBOOK OF NUTRACEUTICALS AND FUNCTIONAL FOODS BY WILDMAN Reference: