What Is a Nutraceutical?

What Is a Dietary Supplement?

As defined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which became law in 1994, a dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) that is intended to supplement the diet; contains one or more dietary ingredients (vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other substances); is intended to be taken orally; and is labeled on the front panel as being a dietary supplement.

Nutraceuticals do more than just supplement the diet. They, as was pointed out, help with disease prevention and treatment. Theoretically, the appeal of nutraceuticals has to do with accomplishing treatment goals without side effects.

Using glucosamine as an example, by promoting joint health, it would seem by definition that it is more of a nutraceutical than dietary supplement. Are we essentially splitting hairs over terminology? Apparently so.

According to Arthritis Research and Therapy, "The term nutraceutical has no regulatory definition and is not recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which uses instead the term 'dietary supplements'. Some functional ingredients are sold as nutraceuticals in some countries but as drugs (that is, requiring medical prescription) in others."

The Merck Manual states, "The most commonly used alternative therapy is dietary supplements, which include medicinal herbs and nutraceuticals." This is an example of how nutraceuticals and dietary supplements often are lumped together.

Researchers analyzed survey results from over 4,600 study participants involved with the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. More than 62 percent of adults reported that they take at least one dietary supplement.

Among people with arthritis, supplement use was most prevalent among those 50 years old and older, non-Hispanic white people, and those with more education, as well as people who had health insurance. Glucosamine with or without chondroitin was the most commonly used supplement for joint health related to arthritis.

While traditional treatment for osteoarthritis typically involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, analgesic medications, surgery, as well as focusing on healthy body weight and regular physical activity, the nutritional and dietary interventions are an increasingly popular complementary approach—especially among those who prefer non-pharmacologic treatment options.

Nutraceuticals seem to play a role in processes which affect articular cartilage. In osteoarthritis, the structural integrity of cartilage is impaired. Nutraceuticals may play a role in the balance of anabolic (build up) and catabolic (break down) signals in joints.

Some of the nutraceuticals used for osteoarthritis include:

• Fish oil
• GAGs (glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid)
• Olive oil
• Methionine
• Undenatured Type II Collagen
• Various botanical extracts

A Word From Verywell

As a consumer, here's what you need to know: In the United States, you will see reference to dietary supplements. That term is essentially interchangeable with the term nutraceutical. Always consult with your doctor before trying any product labeled either as a dietary supplement or nutraceutical. Because of their popularity, doctors must be ready to answer your questions about potential side effects, as well as expected benefits.