Chapter Twenty - Drug nutraceutical interactions

Abstract

Drugs can interact with nutrients by affecting the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, which results in decreased therapeutic efficacy, increased nutritional risk, and greater pharmacological side effects. Some of these interactions have little or no effect on the patient, while others have the potential to be lethal. Interactions between drugs and nutrients can also be beneficial, resulting in enhanced drug absorption or less gastrointestinal discomfort. Knowing the importance of drug–nutrient interactions can aid the clinician in determining which nutrients to avoid when taking specific drugs and which therapeutic agents should be given with nutrient or food. Nutraceuticals are products that are used for both nutrition and medicine. Dietary supplements, functional foods, medical foods, and pharmaceuticals are the four similar categories. The functional food market is expected to be driven by rising healthcare costs and an aging global population throughout the forecast period. Nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals are looking for ways to incorporate medical treatment and nutrition together in the healthcare industry. Healthcare providers must understand drug–nutrient interactions and continue to educate themselves and their patients to maximize pharmaceutical efficacy while minimizing drug–nutrient toxicity. The numerous forms of nutraceutical food or functional components engaged in illness prevention or treatment are discussed in this chapter, as well as the global market value of nutraceuticals and their prospects are highlighted.