History of nutraceuticals
The Indians, Egyptians, Chinese, and Sumerians are just a few civilizations that have used food as medicine.
Hippocrates, considered by some to be the father of Western medicine, said that people should “Let food be thy medicine.”
The modern nutraceutical market began to develop in Japan during the 1980s. In contrast to the natural herbs and spices used as folk medicine for centuries throughout Asia, the nutraceutical industry has grown alongside the expansion and exploration of modern technology.
Malnutrition and Challenges
Malnutrition is a medical condition caused by an improper or insufficient diet. Malnutrition is technically a category of diseases that includes under nutrition, obesity and overweight, and micronutrient deficiency (known as 'hidden hunger') among others. However, it is frequently used to mean under nutrition from either inadequate calories or inadequate specific dietary components for whatever reason.
Malnutrition increases the risk of infection and infectious disease, and moderate malnutrition weakens every part of the immune system. For example, it is a major risk factor in the onset of active tuberculosis. Protein and energy malnutrition and deficiencies of specific micronutrients (including iron, zinc, and vitamins) increase susceptibility to infection. Malnutrition affects HIV transmission by increasing the risk of transmission from mother to child and also increasing replication of the virus. In communities or areas that lack access to safe drinking water, these additional health risks present a critical problem. Lower energy and impaired function of the brain also represent the downward spiral of malnutrition as victims are less able to perform the tasks they need to in order to acquire food, earn an income, or gain an education.
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