Tag: Functional nutrients

Did you know that not all nutrient deficiencies impact growth in the same way? A type 1 nutrient, also known as a functional nutrient, is one whose deficiency leads to specific clinical signs and symptoms rather than a general failure to grow.

According to a 2021 market analysis, the global functional foods and beverage market was valued at approximately $258 billion, reflecting the rising consumer interest in what are functional nutrients and their potential health impacts. These are the powerful, bioactive components in food that offer significant advantages beyond simple sustenance.

There are six basic classes of nutrients essential for human health: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. However, this is distinct from the complex question of **how many functional nutrients are there**, as the term functional refers to a wide range of beneficial compounds beyond the basic essentials.

Functional nutrition represents a growing shift in health, focusing on personalized care that addresses the root causes of health issues, with a new focus on how powerful certain food compounds are. So, **what do you mean by functional nutrient**? It refers to biologically active compounds found in foods that offer health benefits extending beyond their traditional nutritional value.