Exploring Concepts and Debates Surrounding Nutraceuticals in Nepal: A Scoping Review Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70280/njph(2024)v1i1.21Keywords:
Concepts, controversies, debate, nutraceuticals, NepalAbstract
Background: Nutraceuticals are the products derived from herbs, dietary supplements, specific diets, and processed foods, offering health benefits beyond basic nutrition and even the potential to prevent or treat diseases. The global surge in nutraceutical usage has brought attention to both their potential benefits and scientific enquiry regarding their safety and efficacy. This article aims to explore the concepts and debates surrounding nutraceuticals in Nepal.
Methods: The study reviewed 17 articles sourced from Google Scholar, Google, and PubMed between December 25, 2023, and January 25, 2024. It included a diverse array of sources such as cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, qualitative research, reviews, and other types of publications. Articles were managed using Zotero for de-duplication and assessment. All authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts, with discrepancies resolved through discussion and additional studies identified from reference lists.
Results: In Nepal, the nutraceutical sector is growing rapidly, driven by increased health consciousness, traditional herbal knowledge, and a rising demand for natural products. However, challenges such as adulteration, contamination, and mislabeling of products highlight the need for stringent regulations and robust quality control measures. The country’s regulatory framework, guided by the Dietary Supplement Guideline and the Drug Act, aims to ensure consumer safety and product integrity. Despite these measures, implementation and enforcement issues persist, including limited resources, inadequate market surveillance, and the prevalence of unregistered products. Controversies regarding the scientific support for health claims, the integration of traditional knowledge, and the ethical implications of nutraceutical marketing persist.
Conclusion: This review emphasizes the need for comprehensive studies and regulatory improvements to validate the safety and efficacy of nutraceuticals in Nepal. By fostering collaboration among researchers, academia, and industry, and by enhancing consumer awareness and education, Nepal can effectively harness the potential of nutraceuticals to improve public health and well-being.
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