Nutraceuticals – true functionals with measurable health benefits

Numerous products have been launched in recent years as “functional foods” that have the objective of offering additional health benefits and have been well received by consumers. These food and beverage products have shown a significant worldwide growth at an average of 5.7% each year (Datamonitor: CAGR 2007 – 2012 estimate, based on figures for the USA, Western Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region).

WILD distinguishes three categories of functional ingredients for which health benefits can be scientifically proven. Classic functionals include vitamins and minerals, new age functionals arise from plant extracts, and soy and Omega 3 are examples of nutraceuticals or true functionals. The nutraceuticals segment of functional soft drinks in Western Europe is growing at an annual rate of 22.4% in terms of volume (Zenith International: CAGR 2002 – 2009 estimate).

WILD calls these nutraceuticals “measurable health” concepts because of their scientifically measurable health benefits. Some examples include phytosterols that lower cholesterol levels and plant extracts that have an immunostimulant effect.

Product-related information is part of a standardized Europe-wide scientific assessment and validation of claims that is legally required by the EU Health Claims Regulation. Using scientific studies on health benefits or carrying out these studies independently is necessary for the marketing of innovative concepts.

In 2000, WILD was one of the first companies in the nutrition industry to begin developing and testing the effectiveness of these products scientifically under the “measurable health” title.

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Version: Tue Sep 07 23:36:06 CEST 2010