Functional Foods

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“Functional Foods” are foods or dietary components that may provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition. You can take greater control of your health through the food choices you make, knowing that some foods can provide specific health benefits. Examples can include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fortified or enhanced foods and beverages, and some dietary supplements. Biologically active components in functional foods may impart health benefits or desirable physiological effects. Functional attributes of many traditional foods are being discovered, while new food products are being developed with beneficial components.
Demand
Consumer interest in the relationship between diet and health has increased the demand for information about functional foods. Rapid advances in science and technology, increasing healthcare costs, changes in food laws affecting label and product claims, an aging population, and rising interest in attaining wellness through diet are among the factors fueling U.S. interest in functional foods. Credible scientific research indicates there are many clinically demonstrated and potential health benefits from food components. These benefits continue to expand the health claims now permitted to be identified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Scientific Criteria
Many academic, scientific, and regulatory organizations are considering ways to establish the scientific basis to support and further validate claims for functional components or the foods containing them. FDA regulates food products according to their intended use and the nature of claims made on the package. Five types of health-related statements or claims are allowed on food and dietary supplement labels:
Nutrient content claims indicate the presence of a specific nutrient at a certain level.
Structure and function claims describe the effect of dietary components on the normal structure or function of the body.
Dietary guidance claims describe the health benefits of broad categories of foods.
Qualified health claims convey a developing relationship between components in the diet and risk of disease, as reviewed by the FDA and supported by the weight of credible scientific evidence available.
Health claims confirm a relationship between components in the diet and risk of disease or health condition, as approved by FDA and supported by significant scientific agreement.
A large body of credible scientific research is needed to confirm the benefits of any particular food or component. For functional foods to deliver their potential public health benefits, consumers must have a clear understanding of and a strong confidence in the scientific criteria that are used to document health statements and claims. The scientific community continues to increase its understanding of the potential for functional foods and their role in health.
Nutrigenomics “Personalized Nutrition”
As scientific and technological advances develop in the field of health and nutrition, more and more focus has been directed toward the emerging field of nutrigenomics or “personalized nutrition.” The science of nutrigenomics involves the application of the human genome to nutrition and personal health to provide individual dietary recommendations. By using an individual’s unique genetic makeup and nutritional requirements to tailor recommendations, consumers may one day have a greater ability to reduce their risk of disease.
Personalizing nutrition to an individual’s unique genetic makeup has the potential for positive health outcomes overall. Choosing an individualized approach, over a more traditional or general approach, to health and nutrition recommendations can provide consumers with the most appropriate and beneficial information for their specific nutritional needs. While personalized nutrition seems promising, research is still in the preliminary stages, and years may pass before accurate and effective recommendations can be made for individuals.
Functional foods are an important part of an overall healthful lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and physical activity. People should strive to consume a wide variety of foods, including the examples listed here. These examples are not “magic bullets.” The best advice is to include a variety of foods, as recommended by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid.gov, which would provide many potentially beneficial components.

Examples of Functional Components*
Class/Components
Source*
Potential Benefit
Carotenoids


Beta-carotene
carrots, pumpkin,sweet potato, cantaloupe
neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses;can be made into vitamin A in the body
Lutein, Zeaxanthin
kale, collards, spinach, corn, eggs, citrus
may contribute to maintenance of healthy vision
Lycopene
tomatoes and processed tomato products, watermelon, red/pink grapefruit
may contribute to maintenance of prostate health
Dietary (functional and total) Fiber


Insoluble fiber
wheat bran, corn bran, fruit skins
may contribute to maintenance of a healthy digestive tract; may reduce the risk of some types of cancer
Beta glucan**
oat bran, oatmeal, oat flour, barley, rye
may reduce risk of coronary heart disease (CHD)
Soluble fiber**
psyllium seed husk, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruit
may reduce risk of CHD and some types of cancer
Whole grains**
cereal grains, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice
may reduce risk of CHD and some types of cancer; may contribute to maintenance of healthy blood glucose levels
Fatty Acids


Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)**
tree nuts, olive oil, canola oil
may reduce risk of CHD
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)—Omega-3 fatty acids—ALA
walnuts, flax
may contribute to maintenance of heart health; may contribute to maintenance of mental and visual function
PUFAs—Omega-3 fatty acids—DHA/EPA**
salmon, tuna, marine, and other fish oils
may reduce risk of CHD; may contribute to maintenance of mental and visual function
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
beef and lamb; some cheese
may contribute to maintenance of desirable body composition and healthy immune function
Flavonoids


Anthocyanins—Cyanidin, Delphinidin, Malvidin
berries, cherries, red grapes
bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses; may contribute to maintenance of brain function
Flavanols—Catechins, Epicatechins, Epigallocatechin, Procyanidins
tea, cocoa, chocolate, apples, grapes
may contribute to maintenance of heart health
Flavanones—Hesperetin, Naringenin
citrus foods
neutralize free radicals, which may damage cells; bolster cellular antioxidant defenses
Flavonols—Quercetin, Kaempferol, Isorhamnetin, Myricetin
onions, apples, tea, broccoli
neutralize free radicals, which may damage cells; bolster cellular antioxidant defenses
Proanthocyanidins
cranberries, cocoa, apples, strawberries, grapes, wine, peanuts, cinnamon
may contribute to maintenance of urinary tract health and heart health
Isothiocyanates


Sulforaphane
cauliflower, broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage, kale, horseradish
may enhance detoxification of undesirable compounds; bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses
Minerals


Calcium**
sardines, spinach, yogurt, low-fat dairy products, fortified foods and beverages
may reduce the risk of osteoporosis
Magnesium
spinach, pumpkin seeds, whole grain breads and cereals, halibut, brazil nuts
may contribute to maintenance of normal muscle and nerve function, healthy immune function, and bone health
Potassium**
potatoes, low-fat dairy products, whole grain breads and cereals, citrus juices, beans, bananas
may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke, in combination with a low-sodium diet
Selenium
fish, red meat, grains, garlic, liver, eggs
neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; may contribute to healthy immune function
Phenolic Acids


Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid
apples, pears, citrus fruits, some vegetables, coffee
may bolster cellular antioxidant defenses; may contribute to maintenance of healthy vision and heart health
Plant Stanols/Sterols


Free Stanols/Sterols**
corn, soy, wheat, wood oils, fortified foods and beverages
may reduce risk of CHD
Stanol/Sterol esters**
fortified table spreads, stanol ester dietary supplements
may reduce risk of CHD
Polyols


Sugar alcohols**—Xylitol, Sorbitol, Mannitol, Lactitol
some chewing gums and other food
applications may reduce risk of dental caries
Prebiotics


Inulin, Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Polydextrose
whole grains, onions, some fruits, garlic, honey, leeks, fortified foods and beverages
may improve gastrointestinal health; may improve calcium absorption
Probiotics


Yeast, Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and other specific strains of beneficial bacteria
certain yogurts and other cultured dairy and non-dairy applications
may improve gastrointestinal health and systemic immunity; benefits are strain-specific
Phytoestrogens


Isoflavones—Daidzein, Genistein
soybeans and soy-based foods
may contribute to maintenance of bone health, healthy brain and immune function; for women, may contribute to maintenance of menopausal health
Lignans
flax, rye, some vegetables
may contribute to maintenance of heart health and healthy immune function
Soy Protein


Soy Protein**
soybeans and soy-based
foods may reduce risk of CHD
Sulfides/Thiols


Diallyl sulfide, Allyl methyl trisulfide
garlic, onions, leeks, scallions
may enhance detoxification of undesirable compounds; may contribute to maintenance of heart health and healthy immune function
Dithiolthiones
cruciferous vegetables
may enhance detoxification of undesirable compounds; may contribute to maintenance of healthy immune function
Vitamins


A***
organ meats, milk, eggs, carrots, sweet potato, spinach
may contribute to maintenance of healthy vision, immune function, and bone health; may contribute to cell integrity
B1 (Thiamin)
lentils, peas, long-grain brown rice, brazil nuts
may contribute to maintenance of mental function; helps regulate metabolism
B2 (Riboflavin)
lean meats, eggs, green leafy vegetables
helps support cell growth; helps regulate metabolism
B3 (Niacin)
dairy products, poultry, fish, nuts, eggs
helps support cell growth; helps regulate metabolism
B5 (Pantothenic acid)
organ meats, lobster, soybeans, lentils
helps regulate metabolism and hormone synthesis
B6 (Pyridoxine)
beans, nuts, legumes, fish, meat, whole grains
may contribute to maintenance of healthy immune function; helps regulate metabolism
B9 (Folate)**
beans, legumes, citrus foods, green leafy vegetables, fortified breads and cereals
may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect
B12 (Cobalamin)
eggs, meat, poultry, milk
may contribute to maintenance of mental function; helps regulate metabolism and supports blood cell formation
Biotin
liver, salmon, dairy, eggs, oysters
helps regulate metabolism and hormone synthesis
C
guava, sweet red/green pepper, kiwi, citrus fruit, strawberries
neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; may contribute to maintenance of bone health and immune function
D
sunlight, fish, fortified milk and cereals
helps regulate calcium and phosphorus; helps contribute to bone health; may contribute to healthy immune function; helps support cell growth
E
sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, turnip greens
neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; may contribute to healthy immune function and maintenance of heart health
* Examples are not an all-inclusive list.
** FDA approved health claim established for component.
*** Preformed vitamin A is found in foods that come from animals. Provitamin A carotenoids are found in many darkly colored fruits and vegetables and are a major source of vitamin A for vegetarians.
July 2006
Originally printed in the 2007-2009 IFIC Foundation Media Guide on Food Safety and Nutrition

Related Information

Dietary Reference Intakes: An Update (2002)
IFIC Foundation and Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Guidelines for Communicating the Emerging Science of Dietary Components for Health (2005)
It’s All About You
Tools for Effective Communications
External Resources
United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)MyPyramid.gov Food Guidance System