As nutraceuticals gain traction, healthcare experts assess their role in treatment
In an evolution of healthcare beyond disease treatment to proactive wellness, nutraceuticals are emerging as promising and popular compounds. These bioactive compounds, a blend of nutrition and pharmaceuticals, are now being recognised for their role in disease prevention and supporting holistic health. But how do healthcare practitioners perceive them? Are they becoming a part of mainstream medicine, or do challenges in standardisation, regulation, and public perception hinder their growth?
Nutraceuticals in clinical practice: A growing trend?
The consensus among experts is clear: nutraceuticals are gaining traction, but they are yet to be considered standalone treatments. “Nutraceuticals are becoming more mainstream in clinical practice, especially in preventive medicine,” notes Bhakti Samant, Chief Dietician, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
“For example, Omega 3 Fatty acids are commonly recommended for cardio-metabolic health and probiotics are often recommended for maintaining good gut health. While there is a growing body of evidence that supports the potential health benefits of these, there is a need for more robust, large-scale and well-controlled clinical trials to validate the claims. Hence, they are typically used as complementary strategies rather than replacements for the conventional treatment.”
Dr Hardeep Jogi, MD (Internal Medicine), Associate Consultant, ShardaCare Healthcity, Greater Noida, echoes this view, adding that widespread adoption depends on stronger evidence and standardisation.
Sweedal Trinidade, Chief Dietician, P D Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim, stresses, “Pandemics, health ailments and the urge to stay younger have prompted patients and healthy individuals to increasingly include nutraceuticals as part of their preventive health regime and treatment plans, with growing interest in holistic and preventive healthcare. There is a halo of perception around the nutraceuticals that claim to contain natural active ingredients. One common misconception is that nutraceuticals are safe and natural, which may lead to usage without prescription or overuse. One more misconception is that nutraceuticals can replace conventional medical treatment.”
Efficacy, safety and scientific backing
One of the biggest challenges in adopting nutraceuticals into mainstream medicine is the lack of scientific backing and quality control. “Concerns include inconsistent formulations, bioavailability issues, and a lack of large-scale clinical trials. Clinicians rely on peer-reviewed studies, regulatory approvals, and pharmacokinetic data to determine credibility. Brands conducting independent research with published clinical results are preferred”, says Dr Jogi. Dr Sanjith Saseedharan, Consultant & Head Critical Care, S L Raheja Hospital, points out that though the use of nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and herbs are considered safe, there is a need for rigorous toxicological testing. However, since this is not a ‘drug’, there may not be a mandate to perform such checks. The other issue that may come up with some nutraceuticals is the interactions that some of them may have with existing medications. There have also been some reports of heavy metal contamination, mycotoxins, phytotoxins, etc., which may lead to health hazards.
Dr Jagadeesh Menon VR, Paediatric Hepatology – Consultant, Rela Hospital Chennai also shares, “One of the primary concerns is that many nutraceuticals are not supported by large, well-designed clinical trials. Practitioners often look for stronger evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) before endorsing them. Without sufficient clinical evidence, it’s difficult to assess whether a nutraceutical can produce consistent and reliable benefits in humans. Even when evidence exists, outcomes can be inconsistent due to variations in dosages, formulations, or individual patient responses. This inconsistency can make practitioners wary about recommending specific products.”
Regulatory gaps: A barrier to trust?
In India, nutraceuticals are regulated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), but experts believe the regulatory framework still has significant gaps.
Dr Y. Jegan Mohan, Consultant-General Medicine, SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai, highlights that, “While India’s regulatory framework for nutraceuticals, mainly governed by FSSAI, aims to ensure the safety and quality of these products, there are several gaps that need to be addressed. These include issues with enforcement, standardisation, health claims, herbal product regulation, and post-market surveillance. To address these gaps, there should be strengthening enforcement of regulations, improving product standardisation, more comprehensive clinical trials and safety data, enhanced consumer education, better adverse event monitoring, and addressing the herbal product gap.”
The increasing health awareness among consumers has led to a surge in the use of nutraceuticals, but misconceptions are still an issue. Usha Kiran Sisodia, Chief Dietician, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, notes that many patients wrongly believe that natural products have no side effects. Vijayshree, Head and Chief Dietician, MGM Healthcare, stresses the importance of proper assessment before supplementing. “These days, nobody is really assessing whether the patient is having a deficiency or not. So, if someone is experiencing leg pain. Then they self-diagnose it to be vitamin D or B12 OR C deficiency, and they are buying over the counter. As a nutritionist, I would recommend consuming scientifically tested supplements; otherwise, the consumption of counterfeit supplements without any deficiency or if you’re consuming extra it goes to waste because the body will accept only the recommended or recovered amount.” “As a matter of fact, we all know that our body itself is self-producing enough number of vitamins and minerals that is required for our body. So, if we take additional supplements, the excess will be excreted through urine and the metabolism of our body gets disturbed. But in some cases, the extra nutrients can become toxic causing organ damage, especially our kidneys which excrete all that is excess in our body. So, when we start consuming excess sugar, salt, spice or even nutrients, the acidity of the urine is increased. When the urine is in the kidney, it is acidic, as a result, there is a high chance for the formation of kidney stones”, she explains.
Future prospects: What’s next?
Looking ahead, experts believe that technological advancements will shape the nutraceutical industry. Sisodia believes that innovation is key to success as with research it’s obviously a great way for professionals to cure patients. I foresee this as positive outcomes with more better products and good result.
Dr Jogi sees promise in precision nutrition (AI-driven personalised supplements), nano-formulations(improved bioavailability), gut-brain axis research (probiotics in neurological health) and adaptogens (ashwagandha in stress management). The future lies in evidence-backed integration into personalised medicine.
Dr Saseedharan concludes, “Nutraceuticals is a rather exciting field, which in my opinion will revolutionise health care. This shift could eventually disrupt the healthcare system by transforming it from one focused on treating disease to one centred on maintaining health. In the near future, patients may pay the healthcare industry not only for treatment but for proactive health maintenance and disease prevention.”
“A holistic approach to healthcare made possible by bridging the gap between nutrition and pharmacotherapy through nutraceuticals will be key to achieving optimal health. Personally, I incorporate several well-proven, evidence-based nutraceutical products into my routine, alongside a healthy lifestyle and eating habits, and I have seen excellent results. Therefore, I would strongly recommend others consider doing the same, but always under close medical supervision” Addressing the regulatory challenges, ensuring scientific validation, and educating consumers for informed decision-making is the need of the hour as nutraceuticals continue to grow.
