Nutraceuticals: What Are They And Do They Work?

Crandell KM and S.E. Duren. 2001. Nutraceuticals: What are they and do they work? In: J. D. Pagan (Ed.) Advances in Equine Nutrition II. pp. 29-36. Nottingham University Press. Nottingham, United Kingdom.

In the past five years, the world has witnessed the explosive growth of a multi- billion dollar industry known as nutraceuticals. The term “nutraceutical” combines the word “nutrient” (a nourishing food or food component) with “pharmaceutical” (a medical drug). The word “nutraceutical” has been used to describe a broad list of products sold under the premise of being dietary supplements (i.e. a food), but for the expressed intent of treatment or prevention of disease. What is the legal definition of a nutraceutical? How do they differ from either a nutrient or a drug? What rules govern their safety and efficacy? What nutraceuticals have found their way into the horse industry? These topics will be addressed in the following paper.

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