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Functional Food
Food that provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition, either inherently or through fortification.
Examples: oats (beta-glucan for cholesterol), fortified milk (vitamin D), probiotic yogurt, omega-3-enriched eggs. Regulatory frameworks differ; in the U.S., the FDA recognizes health claims, qualified health claims, and structure/function claims rather than a single 'functional food' category. Consumer demand and industry marketing drive most growth in this segment.
How each textbook covers it
duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 10
Examples: oats (beta-glucan for cholesterol), fortified milk (vitamin D), probiotic yogurt, omega-3-enriched eggs. Regulatory frameworks differ; in the U.S., the FDA recognizes health claims, qualified health claims, and structure/function claims rather than a single 'functional food' category. Consumer demand and industry marketing drive most growth in this segment.
Related terms
Health Claim, Nutraceutical, Phytochemicals