According to a report by Statista, India's nutraceutical market was worth 260 billion Indian rupees in 2017. This was estimated to go up to 650 billion rupees by 2022, indicating a high growth potential in the sector. This shows that the market is expanding at a rapid pace; however, this has also led to several myths and misconceptions floating in the industry.

We speak with Suresh Garg, CMD and Founder of Zeon Lifesciences Ltd, to debunk some of the most common myths around the nutraceutical industry and lay the facts straight for you.

• Myth 1: All Kinds of Nutraceuticals Provide the Same Value and Benefits

Reality: Like any other product, Garg says, the quality of nutraceuticals is dependent on the purity of the ingredients used, the manufacturing quality, and sourcing practices. Another major factor that defines the quality of nutraceuticals is the testing protocols, inclusive of the third-party testing. "Hence, all supplements offer different quality and benefits depending on the process followed to produce them. It is best to buy from certified and authentic brands," he adds.

• Myth 2: Nutraceuticals are FDA Regulated

Reality: The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is responsible for overseeing the dietary supplements; however, the regulations are not as stringent as those of the pharmaceutical industry, according to Garg. He further says that product safety and efficacy are the responsibility of the manufacturing unit; however, the check is not as efficient as needed. Hence, it is best to buy the nutraceuticals from trusted brands and with the consent of your doctor/dietician.

• Myth 3: Nutraceuticals have the Ability to Cure Diseases

Reality: "The International Food Information Council (IFIC) defines nutraceuticals as handy food substances that can offer more than nutritional goodness. However, this does not imply that these supplements have the ability to cure diseases; rather, they are more beneficial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and aid as catalysts for helping cure diseases while under medical treatment," he says. So, it is best to consult a doctor’s advice in such situations.

• Myth 4: All Nutraceuticals are Natural

Reality: Even if a nutraceutical product is labelled natural, it does not imply that it is free from synthetic ingredients or any added preservatives, according to Garg. "This also implies that natural ingredients can also interact with medicines and may cause harm. Therefore, before taking any supplements that may be labelled natural, it is best to consult with a professional healthcare provider," he adds.

• Myth 5: Nutraceuticals Are Safe for Everyone

Reality: "Nutraceuticals are safe, but anyone with health complications can face adverse effects of using supplements with medicines," Garg says, adding that nutraceuticals must not be consumed by children and pregnant women unless a doctor permits. Some ingredients in the supplements may also cause allergies and so must be taken with care.

• Myth 6: Nutraceuticals Work Instantaneously

Reality: Nutraceuticals do not work like magic, but it takes time to yield benefits. "These are not medicines that work instantaneously; rather, these are supplements that gradually improve your health. While taking these supplements, it is also important that we eat a healthy and balanced diet," he tells us.

• Myth 7: Nutraceuticals Substitute a Healthy Diet

Reality: "No supplements can ever substitute a healthy diet. Nutraceuticals can fill the nutritional gaps but cannot become a substitute for fibre, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that are found in the vegetables, whole grains, and fruits that we consume," Garg says.

• Myth 8: Ayurveda Only Uses Plant-Based Ingredients

Reality: "While most of the remedies in Ayurveda are plant based, some also include animal derivatives such as honey, ghee and gelatin. Some Ayurvedic treatments can also include, bone broth in certain cases," he says. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, it is best that you communicate your preferences and get custom recommendations.

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