Ever wondered why? We share insights directly from a community pharmacist
By Dheevya Gunaseelan
As the lines between food and medicine continue to blur, nutraceuticals have gained attention as a powerful tool for improving health and preventing chronic health conditions. Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, these beneficial elements, sourced from natural foods, offer therapeutic benefits, typically without the harsh side effects often associated with pharmaceuticals. However, what is it about nutraceuticals that makes them so effective?
To explore the reason behind the effectiveness of nutraceuticals, we sat down with Nur Hani binti Zainal Abidin, a community pharmacist from My Antidote Pharmacy, who enlightened our queries in this interesting and informative interview.
1Twenty80: How would you define nutraceuticals, and how do they differ from traditional supplements and pharmaceuticals?
Nur Hani binti Zainal Abidin: Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources that function similarly to medicine. The term ‘nutraceuticals’ is a combination of ‘nutrition’ and ’pharmaceuticals’, reflecting their role as a bridge between food and medicine. These products not only provide essential nutrients but also offer therapeutic benefits that help prevent illnesses and manage diseases. Unlike traditional supplements, which primarily address specific deficiencies like calcium or vitamin D, nutraceuticals focus on improving your overall health.
Nutraceuticals work proactively to prevent deficiencies while supporting the body’s holistic well-being. Whereas, supplements are additional and they work to ‘fill in the gaps’ any deficiency created. On the other hand, pharmaceuticals are mainly drugs, and drugs are intended to cure or treat a certain disease or condition.
1Twenty80: Can nutraceuticals prevent diseases as well as boost the immune system?
Nur Hani: Yes, because that’s the function of nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals support the body by enhancing its natural immunity and addressing health concerns at its root. They not only alleviate symptoms but also help prevent and manage health issues before they become severe. However, their effectiveness is influenced by your lifestyle. Nutraceuticals cannot compensate for poor habits or an unhealthy routine. Their impact varies from person to person, as they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. A balanced lifestyle is essential to fully benefit from nutraceutical products’ therapeutic potential.
Nutraceuticals are also known for their ability to boost the immune system. Among the most popular immune-enhancing nutraceuticals are elderberry and probiotics. Since nutraceuticals are derived from food sources, one of the most notable examples is a product that combines a variety of fruits and vegetables. These products are valued for their comprehensive nutrient profiles, offering a blend of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds that work in tandem to support overall immunity and health.
1Twenty80: Are nutraceuticals better than drugs?
Nur Hani: We cannot compare which one is better than the other because they act differently. They work together to prevent and cure. Nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals are incomparable because both of them serve different purposes; one is to prevent, and the other is to treat.
1Twenty80: Can nutraceuticals complement pharmaceuticals?
Nur Hani: Luckily, they can. Many people have to depend on pharmaceuticals to deal with their ailments, but they also keep up with their nutraceuticals to prevent the symptoms of their ailment from progressing. You can’t stop taking your medication even if you’re taking nutraceuticals. It is important to remember and understand that nutraceuticals are not a substitute for pharmaceuticals. As mentioned earlier, pharmaceuticals are to treat ailments; nutraceuticals are for prevention and to boost your immune system. They go together, hand-inhand. Nutraceuticals are not a substitute, but they help the recovery and helps to prevent any serious damage to your holistic well-being.
1Twenty80: Can nutraceuticals prevent or treat specific health conditions, or are they just used in general to boost your immune system?
Nur Hani: Yes, nutraceuticals are used to prevent and, in some cases, treat specific health conditions. However, they often work alongside pharmaceutical products and medications for optimal results. A well-known example is fish oil, specifically those with high-quality omega concentrations. For instance, Omega-3, a key nutraceutical, can help prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, increase HDL (good cholesterol), and reduce triglycerides. While nutraceuticals can play a significant role in prevention and support treatment, it is important to understand that they are most effective when used with pharmaceuticals – specifically for those with health conditions.
1Twenty80: Are nutraceutical products only sold at pharmacies?
Nur Hani: No, nutraceutical products are already widely accessible and can be purchased from conventional stores, online platforms, and health stores. However, obtaining them from pharmacies offers significant advantages. Pharmacists are uniquely qualified to provide detailed information about these products, including their potential interactions with other substances or medications and feedback from other users. We can also answer any questions you may have and offer guidance tailored to your specific health needs.
While purchasing from other outlets may seem convenient, it often lacks the personalised expertise and professional support that pharmacists provide. Choosing to buy nutraceuticals from a pharmacy ensures that you receive not only a high quality product but also the essential knowledge to use it effectively and safely. This level of service makes pharmacies the preferred option for those seeking informed and reliable choices in nutraceutical products.
1Twenty80: How does the popularity of nutraceuticals correlate with scientific evidence of their effectiveness?
Nur Hani: Nutraceuticals must always be supported by scientific evidence to ensure their efficiency and credibility. For instance, the rapid rise in the popularity of probiotics a few years ago was largely due to emerging research validating theirhealth benefits. Questions were raised, such as, “Why is everyone suddenly using or promoting probiotics in their products?” This surge was driven by scientific discoveries showcasing probiotics’ diverse strains and range of benefits, making them a breakthrough in health and wellness.
However, the popularity of nutraceuticals is not solely determined by scientific evidence. For example, while both probiotics and elderberry have substantial scientific backing, their market success differs. This variation is influenced by marketing strategies, product positioning, and endorsements from healthcare professionals, like doctors. The way a product is marketed and integrated into medical recommendations plays a significant role in its acceptance and growth in popularity.
Herbs, often categorised alongside nutraceuticals, highlight another layer of this dynamic. While herbs are traditionally valued for their therapeutic properties, they lack the extensive scientific research that nutraceuticals like probiotics, elderberry, or fish oil have received. This disparity in studies impacts their mainstream adoption, emphasising the importance of research and market strategy in shaping the success of nutraceutical products.
1Twenty80: How important is the quality and dosage of nutraceuticals for achieving effective results?
Nur Hani: Nutraceuticals, derived from food sources such as fruits and vegetables, rely heavily on their quality and purity for safety and effectiveness. Ensuring that all contaminants, such as heavy metals, are completely removed is crucial to prevent adverse effects and ensure the quality of the product. Additionally, the dosage of nutraceuticals must fall within the therapeutic window to maximise benefits while avoiding risks.
The therapeutic window represents the range of dosage where the product delivers its intended benefits without causing side effects. For example, consuming olive oil in insufficient amounts will not provide any noticeable effects, while excessive consumption can lead to overdosage and associated risks. Therefore, achieving the correct dosage within this window is essential for optimal results.
Contrary to common belief, the therapeutic window is not influenced by lifestyle but rather by an individual’s health and well-being. While the range in the therapeutic window is often broad – for instance, between 500mg and 1200mg – the precise dosage required varies based on the user’s specific health needs. Establishing the appropriate dosage is critical and is often guided by existing research to ensure maximum benefits for each individual.
Ultimately, understanding and adhering to the therapeutic window is fundamental to the safe and effective use of nutraceutical products, emphasising the importance of proper dosing tailored to individual health conditions.
1Twenty80: How can we identify the quality of the products?
Nur Hani: To determine the quality of nutraceutical products, I rely on the availability of scientific evidence, such as peer-reviewed studies, which serve as a key measure of their reliability. Assessing the quality of the nutraceuticals you plan to consume is essential and involves reviewing details about the product’s source, origin, manufacturing location, and shipping history. Fortunately, even Malaysian-made nutraceuticals are supported by sufficient studies, making it possible to evaluate their credibility effectively.
When selecting a nutraceutical product, it is important to ensure it bears all necessary licenses, such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Halal certifications. These marks of quality, enforced by regulatory bodies, assure that the product meets established safety standards. Such diligence is especially critical in today’s market, where nutraceuticals are frequently sold through platforms like TikTok.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, which are tightly regulated and require prescriptions, it is easier to find loopholes in the regulations set for nutraceuticals. This gap allows for the easy sale of unverified products on online platforms, often without clear evidence of their safety or efficiency. Despite this, many consumers still purchase nutraceuticals promoted on TikTok without verifying their sources, raising significant concerns about product safety and consumer awareness.
1Twenty80: Are there any risks or side effects associated with nutraceuticals?
Nur Hani: Nutraceuticals, while offering significant health benefits, can also pose risks and potential side effects when not used appropriately. For instance, fish oil is widely recognised for its antiinflammatory properties and its ability to help prevent heart disease and high cholesterol levels. However, consuming high doses of fish oil may amplify the effects of blood-thinning medications, leading to complications.
This highlights the importance of understanding your personal health history and your family’s medical background before using nutraceutical products. Consulting a healthcare provider, such as a pharmacist or doctor, is strongly recommended. Healthcare professionals can provide personalised advice based on your unique health profile, ensuring the nutraceuticals you use are safe and suitable for your needs.
In most cases, side effects associated with nutraceuticals arise from exceeding the recommended dosage. By seeking professional guidance and adhering to prescribed dosages, you can minimise risks and maximise the benefits of these products while ensuring their safe integration into your health regimen.
1Twenty80: When it comes to pharmaceuticals, a prescription is required. Are there any nutraceuticals that also require a prescription, or can anyone take any nutraceutical product they choose to try?
Nur Hani: In pharmacies, nutraceuticals are classified similarly to medications, with some requiring a prescription depending on the nature of the product and its intended use. For less complex or minor health concerns, nutraceuticals can typically be purchased without a prescription. However, for chronic conditions or lifestyle-related ailments, a prescription is necessary to ensure safety and efficiency.
Lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, often require careful management with specific nutraceuticals due to the potential for adverse interactions with prescribed medications. For example, there are numerous medications available for diabetes – around 30 different types – and some nutraceuticals may cause side effects or interfere with these treatments. In such cases, nutraceuticals must be prescribed by a healthcare professional to avoid complications.
Pharmacies follow strict classifications, including the poison table, to regulate access to certain nutraceuticals. These regulations ensure that products are used safely, particularly when their potential side effects or interactions with other medications may pose risks to the consumer.
