Six Popular Nutritional Supplements And Nutraceuticals

By Tiffany Gill


Nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals now make up a huge and expanding sector of consumer spending. In the United States spending in this area is estimated to in the region of twenty-five billion dollars a year. Affluent consumers, particularly baby boomers, are a key demographic that is driving this market. The following is a brief overview of some popular products and their positive health benefits.

Green foods: foods such as wheat grass, barley grass, chlorella and spirulina have demonstrated a marked beneficial effect on cholesterol levels, blood pressure and inflammation. Much of this is thought to be due their high levels of the compound chlorophyll. In addition to these benefits, it also helps the blood to carry oxygen and is a powerful internal deodorizer.

Cod liver and fish oil: reams of studies have been published documenting the health benefits of fish oil. Taking it is simply one of the smartest health choices one can make. It has been shown to positively impact brain health, skeletal health and inflammation. It is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and has demonstrated anti-ageing properties. Good quality fish oil is also relatively cheap and freely available.

CoQ10: a relative newcomer to the scene, this compound is a vital nutrient for cellular function. It can help boost energy, benefit heart health and help combat inflammation. It's effects on the healthy functioning of cell mitochondria is also considered by some anti-ageing researchers to aid life expectancy.

Curcumin: the promise shown by this ancient spice as an anti-cancer agent has made headlines in recent years. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that can be of great benefit to those suffering with inflammation-related health issues. It is thought to do this by reducing or inhibiting levels of an enzyme known as COX-2. It is also thought to assuage inflammation by stimulating the adrenal glands to release more of the natural steroid cortisone.

Probiotics: poor digestive function is the bane of many older people in the developed world. Symptoms like bloating, constipation and gas are all-too common and indicate problems in the digestive tract. A lack of good bacteria in the gut is often to blame, and this can be restored with a good probiotic. It should be noted that here are many different kinds available, and consumers may have to experiment to find one that suits them.

Glucosamine sulphate: this is another supplement that can be hugely beneficial for older people. Joint pain and impaired mobility is something of an epidemic among older folks and many look for supplements that can help. Glucosamine sulphate can help to keep cartilage in good health and thus stave off the onset of joint problems. However, as with many supplements, it may interact with certain drugs, so medical advice should always be sought before taking it.

These six products and other nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals will continue to take an expanding slice of consumer spending well into the future. With ever-increasing health-care costs, savvy consumers the world over are taking greater control of their primary health needs. By making smart choices about what they put into their bodies they are taking the best steps possible towards a long, disease-free life.




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