Industry sees push for Ayurveda signals shift towards scientifically validated nutraceuticals
The push for Ayurveda, herbal remedies, and nutraceuticals to bridge nutritional gaps reflects a growing interest in holistic health and natural approaches to wellness. In India, healthcare sector has evolved considerably post Covid-19 and there is an increased emphasis on nutraceuticals which have emerged as the way forward.
According to Rohit Shelatkar, vice president, Vitabiotics, nutraceutical can become a preventive healthcare model in the future. These are fortified products, which play a key role in maintaining a healthy physiological function. These foods include fibre, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, and other natural and herbal items. Steadily, they are growing in popularity as a means to improve one’s wellbeing, and as a result, prevent contraction of diseases.
Trends that will pave the way for the growth of nutraceutical market are a move towards holistic healthcare. Nutraceutical supplements offer a natural way to bridge nutritional gaps and support overall health and wellness, making them an option as a preventive healthcare model, he added.
In the rising chronic disease burden, functional food, dietary supplement, and herbal & natural product industries all fall under the umbrella of the nutraceutical sector. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity, has led to a greater emphasis on preventive measures. Nutraceuticals, when integrated into a balanced diet, exercise, and lifestyle regimen, have the potential to mitigate risk factors and promote better health outcomes. By addressing the root causes of these diseases, nutraceuticals can play a crucial role in reducing the burden of chronic conditions, he noted.
India, with its vast cultural heritage of traditional medicine and natural remedies, has significant potential for the nutraceutical market. Quoting a recent report, Shelatkar said that India’s preventive healthcare business is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 22% to $197 billion by 2025.
The perceptible increase in health consciousness and awareness of preventive healthcare is expected to drive the demand for nutraceutical products. Consumers require a clean alternative whose source and quality can be tracked. As seeking alternatives to synthetic drugs rises, nutraceuticals are a viable option with a perception of safety and fewer side effects, said Shelatkar.
Another positive factor is the supportive government initiatives to promote traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and herbal remedies. With these, the nutraceutical industry is likely to witness favourable growth in the coming years. Nutraceuticals can play a key role in reducing malnutrition and bridging the gap between public health initiatives and the general population.
Further, the focus is now on indigenous ingredients like local herbs, spices, and plant-based ingredients known for their medicinal properties. We are seeing the nutraceutical industry in India is expected to capitalize on these natural resources to create unique and culturally relevant products.
In the wake of fast paced urbanization, nutraceuticals can play a role in addressing nutrition-related challenges and promoting better health among urban populations. With the increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare and the growing interest in natural remedies, nutraceuticals have the potential to become a crucial component of the future healthcare model, said the Vitabiotics chief.
To fully realize the potential of nutraceuticals as a preventive healthcare model, continued research, education, and collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and the industry will be vital, Shelatkar said.
Source : 1
AuroBlog | Clinical Research Blog | Aurous HealthCare CRO, India 