Recently, there has been a fundamental shift in the global health and wellness industry from disease treatment to preventing chronic diseases. The use of nutraceuticals and functional foods in prevention efforts could lead to a decreased dependency on drugs. The pharmaceutical industry recognizes this shift; however, serious concerns have arisen regarding the claimed efficacy, quality, and safety of products used as medical foods. This book examines the consumer and industry mindshift, including the scientific evidence of these foods as effective adjuncts to pharmacotherapy during all stages of treatment of various diseases, thus indicating that pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals can and should coexist. It details quality, safety, and efficacy of foods, drugs, and nutrients; marketing and product positioning; regulatory perspectives; biomarkers and metabolites; probiotics; food/drug interactions; and future industry trends. In addition, food bioactives represent diet-based molecules that perform physiological roles related to disease prevention and treatment. As such, a considerable overlap exists between food bioactives and drugs-this book presents the case for comparing and contrasting foods versus drugs in several models of health and disease.

The focus of food science and technology has shifted from previous goals of improving food safety and enhancing food taste toward providing healthy and functional foods. Today's consumers desire foods that go beyond basic nutrition-foods capable of promoting better health, or even playing a disease-prevention role. To meet this need for innovation, academic research must be combined with the development and commercialization strategies of industry. Innovation in Healthy and Functional Foods brings together this knowledge, with contributions from experts in biological science, food science, engineering, marketing, regulation, law, finance, sustainability, and management. Focusing on functional foods that have components added-such as omega-3, probiotics, and protein-to provide health benefits, this book presents various aspects of the innovation process. These include consumer insights, trends in developed and developing markets, and technological advances in functional foods and ingredients. It also addresses the key drivers of food industry innovation-affordability, sustainability, and tightening government regulations. Chapters cover characteristics of various markets around the world; consumer perception; food processing, packaging, and ingredients; innovation in functional ingredients; and functional ingredient delivery. Given the importance and challenges of getting functional food products into the marketplace, this book also covers the business aspects of innovation in food science, including marketing, financial implications, and commercial feasibility. Additionally, contributors provide insights into future trends, such as food tourism, nanotechnology, sustainability, and globalization. Bringing together expertise from academia and industry, this text provides an overview of contemporary food science, with wisdom and know-how in both innovation and commercialization, placing functional foods in a broader context for readers.

Recently, there has been a fundamental shift in the global health and wellness industry from disease treatment to preventing chronic diseases. The use of nutraceuticals and functional foods in prevention efforts could lead to a decreased dependency on drugs. The pharmaceutical industry recognizes this shift; however, serious concerns have arisen regarding the claimed efficacy, quality, and safety of products used as medical foods. This book examines the consumer and industry mindshift, including the scientific evidence of these foods as effective adjuncts to pharmacotherapy during all stages of treatment of various diseases, thus indicating that pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals can and should coexist. It details quality, safety, and efficacy of foods, drugs, and nutrients; marketing and product positioning; regulatory perspectives; biomarkers and metabolites; probiotics; food/drug interactions; and future industry trends. In addition, food bioactives represent diet-based molecules that perform physiological roles related to disease prevention and treatment. As such, a considerable overlap exists between food bioactives and drugs-this book presents the case for comparing and contrasting foods versus drugs in several models of health and disease.