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Phytochemicals

Bioactive plant compounds, not classified as nutrients, with potential health effects beyond basic nutrition.

Also: Phytonutrients

Includes carotenoids, flavonoids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, lignans, organosulfur compounds, and phenolic acids. Mechanisms involve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gene-expression effects. Examples: lycopene in tomatoes, sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables, resveratrol in grapes, EGCG in green tea. Dose-response in humans is poorly characterized; whole foods are preferred to isolated supplements.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 10

    Includes carotenoids, flavonoids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, lignans, organosulfur compounds, and phenolic acids. Mechanisms involve antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gene-expression effects. Examples: lycopene in tomatoes, sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables, resveratrol in grapes, EGCG in green tea. Dose-response in humans is poorly characterized; whole foods are preferred to isolated supplements.

Related terms

Antioxidant, Functional Food