What is an example of a nutraceutical? Exploring Omega-3 Fatty Acids

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

The global nutraceutical market is projected to reach billions of dollars, reflecting a significant public interest in health-promoting food products. This raises a fundamental question for many consumers: what is an example of a nutraceutical? A prime and widely recognized example is omega-3 fatty acids.

Quick Summary

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in supplements and whole foods like fish and seeds, are a prime example of a nutraceutical. This compound provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition, supporting cardiovascular, cognitive, and joint health due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Key Points

Nutraceutical Defined: A product from food that provides medical or health benefits beyond its basic nutritional value.
Omega-3 as an Example: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in sources like fish oil and flaxseed, are a prime nutraceutical example due to their targeted health effects.
Forms of Omega-3: Includes EPA and DHA (from marine sources) and ALA (from plants), with supplements often concentrating EPA and DHA.
Health Benefits: Omega-3s support cardiovascular health, brain function, eye health, and have significant anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for joints.
Source vs. Supplement: It is generally recommended to get nutrients from whole foods first, but supplements offer a concentrated, controlled dose for targeted needs.
Regulation Varies: Unlike pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals are often regulated as dietary supplements, so consumers should research and choose reputable brands.
Holistic Approach: Nutraceuticals are best used as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially if taking other medications.

Understanding the Concept of Nutraceuticals

Coined by Dr. Stephen DeFelice in 1989, the term “nutraceutical” is a blend of “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”. It describes a product that is derived from food sources and offers extra health benefits beyond its traditional nutritional value. The guiding philosophy echoes Hippocrates' ancient advice, "let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food".

Nutraceuticals are typically sold in medicinal forms, such as capsules, pills, or powders, and can be isolated compounds or concentrated food extracts. They are distinct from functional foods, which are conventional foods enriched with specific nutrients, such as milk fortified with Vitamin D. The purpose of nutraceuticals is to promote general well-being, manage symptoms, and help prevent various health conditions.

A Clear Answer: What Is an Example of a Nutraceutical?

One of the most widely cited and scientifically supported examples of a nutraceutical is omega-3 fatty acids. These essential polyunsaturated fats are critical for human health, playing a key role in the proper function of the brain, heart, and eyes. The human body cannot produce omega-3s on its own, so they must be obtained through diet or supplementation.

Omega-3s exist in three main forms:

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA): Found in marine sources like fatty fish.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Also primarily found in fatty fish.
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): A plant-based omega-3 found in sources such as flaxseed and walnuts.

Because the body's conversion of ALA to the more readily used EPA and DHA is inefficient, many people turn to supplements derived from fish oil, cod liver oil, or algae to ensure adequate intake of EPA and DHA.

Prominent Health Benefits Associated with Omega-3

The medicinal properties of omega-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied, revealing a wide range of health benefits that make them a popular nutraceutical choice.

Cardiovascular Health: Omega-3s are well-documented for their heart-protective effects. They can help lower high triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and slow the buildup of arterial plaque.
Anti-inflammatory Action: Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. Omega-3s possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly beneficial for those with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Brain and Cognitive Function: DHA is a vital structural component of the brain's cell membranes and is crucial for cognitive function, memory, and development, especially in infants. Some research also suggests a role in protecting against cognitive decline and depression.
Eye Health: High concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids are found in the retina. A diet rich in omega-3s may help protect against age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

Nutraceuticals vs. Functional Foods: A Comparison Table

While omega-3 fatty acids can be both a nutraceutical and a component of a functional food, understanding the distinctions is important. The following table highlights the differences using omega-3 as an example.


Feature	Nutraceutical (e.g., Fish Oil Capsule)	Functional Food (e.g., Omega-3 Enriched Egg)
Form	Typically a non-food format like a pill, capsule, or powder.	A conventional food item that has been modified.
Purpose	To deliver a concentrated, specific bioactive compound for a targeted health benefit.	To provide a health benefit as part of a normal, daily dietary pattern.
Dosage Control	The dosage of the active ingredient (e.g., EPA/DHA) is standardized and precise.	The dosage can vary and depends on the amount of fortified food consumed.
Regulation	Regulated as dietary supplements in many countries, with specific labeling requirements.	Regulated as food, with rules governing fortification and health claims.
Consumption	Taken orally as an ingestible preparation separate from meals.	Eaten as part of a regular meal or snack.

The Growing Role of Nutraceuticals in Nutrition

The increasing interest in preventive healthcare and a holistic approach to wellness has fueled the growth of the nutraceutical market. As consumers seek natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals offer a middle ground, using food-derived compounds to manage health. However, consumers should be aware that regulations for these products can vary significantly by country, and the burden of ensuring safety and efficacy often falls on the manufacturer rather than undergoing rigorous governmental approval processes like pharmaceuticals.

Other notable nutraceuticals include herbal extracts like curcumin from turmeric, probiotics from fermented foods, and antioxidants like lycopene from tomatoes. These examples illustrate the diverse range of compounds that fall under the nutraceutical umbrella, each offering unique potential health benefits.

Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

While generally considered safe, some nutraceuticals carry potential risks, especially when taken in high doses or interacting with other medications. For example, omega-3 supplements can increase the risk of bleeding for individuals on antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Product quality can also be inconsistent, with some supplements containing fewer active ingredients than claimed or being contaminated. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to:

Prioritize whole foods: Whenever possible, obtain nutrients from food sources first. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are the best natural sources of EPA and DHA.
Consult a healthcare provider: Discuss any new supplement with a doctor, especially if you have an existing health condition or take other medications.
Choose reputable brands: Select supplements from well-regarded companies that adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).

Conclusion: Integrating Nutraceuticals Thoughtfully

Nutraceuticals represent a fascinating and growing area of nutritional science, offering food-derived compounds with therapeutic potential. As a prime example, omega-3 fatty acids demonstrate how specific components of our diet can offer targeted health benefits for our heart, brain, eyes, and joints. The key is to approach them with a thoughtful, informed perspective.

Instead of viewing nutraceuticals as a magic bullet, they should be seen as a complement to a healthy, balanced diet. By understanding their purpose, checking with a healthcare professional, and choosing high-quality sources, you can safely explore how nutraceuticals like omega-3s can support your overall health and well-being. For more in-depth information, the National Institutes of Health provides extensive fact sheets on dietary supplements like omega-3s.

Link: National Institutes of Health (NIH) | Omega-3 Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary function of a nutraceutical is to provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention or treatment of diseases, using products derived from food sources.

Functional foods are conventional foods that have been enriched or fortified with extra health benefits (e.g., Vitamin D milk), while nutraceuticals are typically concentrated, isolated compounds sold in a medicinal form like a capsule.

The three main types of omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which come mainly from marine sources, and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which is plant-based.

While plant-based sources like flaxseed and walnuts contain ALA, the body's conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA is not very efficient. Therefore, marine sources or supplements are often necessary to get sufficient amounts of EPA and DHA.

In the United States, omega-3 supplements are regulated as dietary supplements, not as drugs. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring safety, but products do not require FDA approval before marketing.

Other examples of nutraceuticals include curcumin from turmeric, lycopene from tomatoes, probiotics from yogurt, and plant sterols.

It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking a nutraceutical, especially if you have a medical condition or are on medication, as some supplements can have side effects or interact with other drugs.

Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, making them particularly helpful for individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.