Selected Functional Foods for Potential in Disease Treatment and Their Regulatory Issues

Abstract

The significant association between diet and human health broadens the consumer concept to look at food not only for its basic nutrition but also for allied health benefits. Nevertheless, a large segment of the population is still reluctant to buy functional foods due to ambiguities related to their health claims. This review highlighted the role of functional foods against various physiological threats, like cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, oxidative stress, cancer insurgence, and immune dysfunction. Recent developments in dietary supplements are also the limelight of the article. The discussion also encapsulated the role and responsibilities of regulatory agencies, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and the International Alliance of Dietary Food Supplement Association, in harmonizing the legislations regarding the risk assessment and health claims of functional foods.