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Research and Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Review Article

A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Supplements

  1. B. Hariharan Department of Pharmacy, Surya School of Pharmacy, Villupuram
  2. R. Mahalakshmi Department of Pharmacy, Surya School of Pharmacy, Villupuram
  3. A. Mohamed Kaif Department of Pharmacy, Surya School of Pharmacy, Villupuram
  4. J. Thamaraiselvan Department of Pharmacy, Surya School of Pharmacy, Villupuram
  5. M. Varshini Department of Pharmacy, Surya School of Pharmacy, Villupuram
  6. P. Sankar Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Surya School of Pharmacy, Villupuram
  7. S. Anbazhagan Department of Chemistry, Surya School of Pharmacy, Villupuram

Abstract

The role of nutrition and nutraceuticals in human health and disease, covering macronutrients, micronutrients, organic acids, trace and macro minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds. It outlines biochemical structures, dietary sources, metabolism, physiological functions, and deficiency states of carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, and fats. Key organic acids, choline, and taurine are described for their metabolic and digestive roles. The document evaluates dietary supplements, functional foods, nutraceuticals, designer foods, and medicinal foods, and discusses regulatory and safety challenges in supplement use. Evidence for nutraceutical applications is surveyed across cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, obesity, osteoarthritis, diabetes, eye and skin health, asthma, neurological disorders, and gynaecological conditions, highlighting mechanisms of action, notable compounds, benefits, limitations, and safety concerns. The conclusion stresses that nutraceuticals complement but do not replace conventional therapies and calls for evidence-based use, quality assurance, regulatory oversight, and personalized integration into healthcare.

Keywords

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