Nutraceuticals Articles

With an increase in consumer recognition of the health benefits associated with seafood consumption, the volume of fisheries and aquaculture products consumed by the average American is expected to rise. With a concomitant expectation for high-quality products, aquaculture is likely to become a greater source of consumed fish. As the United States aquaculture industry grows, so does the need to provide veterinary services. As with any intensive farming system, appropriate medications are needed to maintain animal health and to manage fish populations. This article introduces some of the challenges associated with drug approvals for aquatic species and describes how the process of development and regulation of drugs for use in aquatic animals differs from that associated with uses in terrestrial species.

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Toxicological testing in animals is relied upon as a surrogate for clinical testing of most food additives. Both animal and human clinical test results are generally available for direct additives when high levels of exposure are expected. Limited animal studies or in vitro test results may be the only sources of toxicological data available when low levels of exposure (μg/person/day) are expected and where no effects of the additive on the food itself are desired. Safety assessment of such materials for humans requires mathematical extrapolation from any effects observed in test animals to arrive at acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for humans. Models of anatomy may be used to estimate tissue and organ weights where that information is missing and necessary for evaluation of a data set.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the evaluation of food additives at the international level through the establishment of an expert committee or committees. These committees evaluated the safety of food additives present as residues resulting from the use of pesticides or veterinary pharmaceuticals. The results of these meetings include international harmonization on acceptable daily intake of these compounds and the maximum residue limit that is permitted to be present within any food of animal or plant origin. The decisions rendered by these committees provide a key element in the elimination of international trade barriers associated with products intended for human consumption.

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Dogs are generally at low risk of developing disease following exposure to anthrax. When disease does occur, it appears associated with oral exposure to the bacteria leading to massive swelling of the head, neck, and mediastinal regions. Death is due to toxemia and shock. For animals at high risk, such as search and rescue dogs with a known exposure, doxycycline at 5 mg/kg orally once daily for 45 to 60 days is suggested as a prophylactic treatment. Additional information on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of the disease in dogs is presented.

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Abstract

: Dr Stephen DeFelice coined the term "Nutraceutical" from "Nutrition" and "Pharmaceutical" in 1989. The term nutraceutical is being commonly used in marketing but has no regulatory definition. An attempt to redefine nutraceuticals and functional foods is made in this article. The proposed definitions can help distinguish between functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements. The advantages and disadvantages of nutraceuticals are also briefly discussed.


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