A nutraceutical is an isolated and concentrated food component, administered at dosages not achieved in an ordinary diet, and with a studied physiological effect. "Nutraceutical" is not a legal category: in Europe, these products remain food supplements, for which the law prohibits any purpose of curing or treating diseases.
Compared to a generic supplement, the dosage is higher. The chemical form in which the ingredient is present in the product is also different, and bioavailability depends on it.
The origin of the term nutraceutical: nutrition meets pharmaceutics
The word "nutraceutical" originated in 1989. The American physician Stephen DeFelice, founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, coined it by merging "nutrition" and "pharmaceutics".
The insight was precise: there are components present in food that, at appropriate dosages and in suitable formulations, exert measurable biological effects on the body. Components halfway between food and medicine, with their own scientific rationale.
Since then, research has come a long way, and demand has grown with it. Today, the global nutraceutical market exceeds 215 billion euros. Italy is the leading European market in the sector, with a value of over 5 billion euros in 2025 and a 26% share of the continental total.
Nutraceuticals, supplements and medicines: the differences that matter
The three terms are often used interchangeably, and the differences between them are substantial.
A food supplement is any product designed to supplement dietary intake: vitamins, minerals, fibres, amino acids. The category is vast and includes products with very different levels of research and quality behind them.
A nutraceutical is a more specific subset: a bioactive substance of natural origin for which there is scientific evidence of a positive effect on health, beyond simple nutritional intake. Every nutraceutical is a supplement; only some supplements have the requirements to be defined as a nutraceutical.
A medicine is a molecule, often chemically synthesised, with a therapeutic effect on diagnosed diseases, and is subject to a rigorous regulatory approval process. Nutraceuticals do not cure diseases: they support physiological functions and contribute to maintaining the body's balance.
- Food
- Nutraceutical
- Pharmaceutical drug
How nutraceuticals act on the body
Nutraceuticals do not follow a single mechanism of action. They act on different biological pathways, which are often complementary to each other.
Antioxidant action. Substances such as vitamin C, vitamin E, astaxanthin and resveratrol neutralise free radicals — unstable molecules produced by cellular metabolism and exposure to environmental factors. The accumulation of free radicals is associated with chronic inflammation, premature ageing and various degenerative conditions. Astaxanthin has shown an antioxidant power up to 6,000 times greater than that of vitamin C in some in vitro models [1].
Modulation of inflammation. Compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and bromelain interact with the molecular mediators of inflammation. A meta-analysis has associated omega-3 supplementation with a reduction in systemic inflammatory markers. Bromelain — a proteolytic enzyme extracted from pineapple — is studied for its effect on muscle and joint inflammation, with a good tolerability profile.
Support for cellular energy metabolism. Coenzyme Q10, and particularly its reduced form ubiquinol, is involved in the production of ATP in the mitochondria — the powerhouses of the cells. Tissue levels of CoQ10 decrease with age, as shown by studies on human tissues [2]. This is why supplementation becomes more relevant with advancing years. The difference between the two forms of coenzyme Q10, along with the studies that have measured it, is described in Ubiquinol or ubiquinone: which coenzyme Q10 to choose.
Hormonal regulation and adaptation to stress. Black maca is an Andean root classified as an adaptogen: substances that help the body respond to physical and psychological stress in a more balanced way. A systematic review published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2010) highlighted positive effects on energy, mood and sexual function in the subjects treated.
Cardiovascular and metabolic support. Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme extracted from natto — a traditional Japanese fermented food — with a growing body of research on its support for normal circulation. Preliminary studies have highlighted its fibrinolytic activity and potential in maintaining blood fluidity. Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure and to normal muscle function.
Joint and connective tissue health. The combination of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM is among the most studied nutraceutical stacks for supporting cartilage and joints. A systematic review with meta-analysis of individual patient data analysed randomised controlled trials on the use of glucosamine in osteoarthritis, confirming a high safety profile.[3]
Neuroprotection and the nervous system. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, to normal red blood cell formation and to normal homocysteine metabolism. High levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased cardiovascular and neurodegenerative risk [4]. The sublingual formulation passes directly through the oral mucosa, and is particularly recommended in cases of gastrointestinal absorption difficulties. We have dedicated the guide Vitamin B12: what it's for and when it's lacking to this vitamin — what it is for, why it might be lacking and how the orodispersible tablet works.
What distinguishes a quality nutraceutical
The supplement market is crowded. Between two similar products, the difference almost always lies in the production choices, which can only be partially read from the label.
Chemical form and bioavailability. The same molecule, in different forms, is absorbed to a very different extent. Magnesium bisglycinate or oxide, ubiquinol or ubiquinone, methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin are the same substance in different chemical forms. The choice of form is often the most important variable in the entire formulation. The form of the product and the timing of intake also matter: we explain how much of the nutrient actually reaches the bloodstream in bioavailability of supplements: what it really depends on.
Standardisation of the content. For plant extracts, the source plant and, above all, the concentration of the active ingredient are what matter. A non-standardised extract can vary enormously from one batch to another. Standardisation ensures that each unit of the product actually contains the declared amount.
Verified enzymatic activity. For enzymes such as bromelain and nattokinase, biological efficacy is measured in specific units — GDU for bromelain, FU for nattokinase. A declared value that is not analytically verified on every batch offers no real guarantees about the product's efficacy.
Absence of interference. Artificial colourings, synthetic flavourings and fillers add no value and in some cases can interfere with the absorption of the active ingredients or cause intolerances. A clean formulation is a sign of production integrity.
Who are nutraceuticals for and in what contexts
Nutraceuticals are physiological support tools useful in many everyday contexts, even in the absence of diagnosed deficiencies.
Those experiencing persistent fatigue can find support in substances such as ubiquinol, vitamin B12 and black maca, which act on energy metabolism and the response to fatigue.
In sport and intense physical activity, bromelain comes into play for muscle recovery, and joint stacks such as glucosamine + chondroitin + MSM for the protection of connective structures. On the cardiovascular health front, the focus is on nattokinase and potassium citrate. For broad-spectrum antioxidant protection, there is organic astaxanthin, among the carotenoids with the highest studied antioxidant power.
The result in any case depends on the context of use and individual conditions. Consultation with a doctor or healthcare professional remains the most appropriate starting point, especially in the presence of medical conditions or ongoing pharmacological therapies.
Nutraceuticals and nutrition: a complementary role
These products are tools for support and optimisation, not substitutes for a healthy lifestyle. A varied and balanced diet, adequate physical activity and good rest remain the foundations. Nutraceuticals intervene to fill specific gaps, achieve precise objectives or support physiological functions at particular times in life. Results come when supplementation is part of an already conscious routine.
What are nutraceuticals, in summary
Nutraceuticals are bioactive substances of natural origin with biological effects documented by scientific research. They act through different and complementary mechanisms — antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, energetic, metabolic — and are distinguished from common supplements by the specificity of their action profile and the robustness of the supporting evidence.
When making a choice, bioavailable forms, standardised raw materials and clinically relevant dosages are important.
Frequently asked questions
What are nutraceuticals?
Nutraceuticals are bioactive substances of natural origin — extracted from foods, plants or microorganisms — for which there is scientific evidence of a positive effect on human health, beyond simple nutritional value. The term was coined in 1989 by the physician Stephen DeFelice, merging 'nutrition' and 'pharmaceutical'.
What is the difference between nutraceuticals and food supplements?
All nutraceuticals can be considered supplements, but not all supplements are nutraceuticals. A nutraceutical is distinguished by the presence of specific scientific evidence on the biological effect of the substance at a given dosage. A common supplement may simply complete the intake of a nutrient with no documented effects beyond basic nutrition.
Are nutraceuticals safe?
Quality nutraceuticals generally have an excellent safety profile. However, like any bioactive substance, they can interact with medicines or be contraindicated in certain conditions (pregnancy, specific medical conditions). Before starting any supplementation, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Do nutraceuticals really work?
It depends on the substance, the dosage, the chemical form and the quality of the product. Some nutraceuticals have a solid body of clinical evidence (omega-3, CoQ10, vitamin D, glucosamine), while others have research that is still preliminary. What matters are the ingredients with published clinical studies and the effective dosages with which they are formulated.
How long does it take to see results?
It depends on the substance and the objective. Some effects (such as the energy support from ubiquinol) can be felt within 2–4 weeks. Others, like the joint support from glucosamine and chondroitin, typically require 8–12 weeks of continuous use to show significant benefits.
Do nutraceuticals replace medicines?
No. Nutraceuticals support physiological functions and can contribute to general well-being, but they do not have therapeutic indications for diagnosed medical conditions. They must not be used as a substitute for pharmacological therapies prescribed by a doctor.
Further reading
- How to read a supplement label: a practical six-step guide
- What "standardised extract" means: standardisation and extraction ratio
- Vitamin B12: what it is for and when it is lacking
- Capsules or tablets: how to choose the form of a supplement
- Bioavailability of supplements: what it really depends on
- Supplements in the morning or evening, on a full or empty stomach: a practical guide
- Bromelain 5000 GDU: complete guide, common myths and gastro-resistance
This article has been written by the NUTRALAB scientific team for informational and educational purposes. It is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional. Before starting any supplementation, particularly in the presence of medical conditions, pregnancy, or ongoing pharmacological therapies, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.
Scientific sources
- Nishida Y, Yamashita E, Miki W. (2007). Quenching activities of common hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants against singlet oxygen using chemiluminescence detection system. Carotenoid Science, 11, 16–20. Carotenoid Society
- Kalén A, Appelkvist EL, Dallner G. (1989). Age-related changes in the lipid compositions of rat and human tissues. Lipids, 24(7), 579–584. PubMed
- Runhaar J, Rozendaal RM, van Middelkoop M, et al. (2017). Subgroup analyses of the effectiveness of oral glucosamine for knee and hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis from the OA trial bank. Ann Rheum Dis, 76(11), 1862–1869. PubMed
- Clarke R, Daly L, Robinson K, et al. (1991). Hyperhomocysteinemia: an independent risk factor for vascular disease. N Engl J Med, 324(17), 1149–1155. NEJM | PubMed
Category
Supplement cultureTopics
- astaxanthin
- wellbeing
- bromelain
- glucosamine
- supplements
- black maca
- nattokinase
- nutraceuticals
- potassium citrate
- ubiquinol
- vitamin B12
By the NUTRALAB Editorial Team
Scientific review: Giuliano D'Alterio, Pharmaceutical chemist — 11 August 2026
