7: Functional Food

Question 1

What is the definition of Functional Foods?

Answer 1

Whole foods that are natural sources of phytochemicals OR “doing more than simply providing nutrients because they help to maintain health and thereby reduce the risk of disease.”

note the FDA or USDA don’t have an actual definition

Question 2

What does AND define Functional Foods as?

Answer 2

whole foods along with fortified, enriched or enhanced foods that have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis at effective levels based on significant standards of evidence.

Question 3

What percentage of cancers are believed to originate predominately from inborn genetic errors?

Answer 3

less than 10%

Question 4

Examples of functional foods - resistant starch

Answer 4

fermented brown rice flour added to foods to increase whole-grain content

green-banana flour, a resistant starch, added to flours
(helps with BMs, reducing colon CA risk)

helps increase the fiber content

Question 5

Examples of functional foods - flaxseed

Answer 5

has an abundant nutritive and bio active compound content. Best nonfish sources of omega-3s, soluble and insoluble fiber.

Question 6

Examples of functional foods - Chicory root

Answer 6

best sources of inulin-type fur tans, or prebiotics not digested in the upper GI. Can get converted into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which helps improve glucose tolerance, promotes bowel regularity, improves absorption of Mg and Ca.

Question 7

Examples of functional foods - Oat by-product

Answer 7

natural source of many micronutrients and potentially cancer-fighting phytochemicals, including resistant starch, vit E, zinc, phytic acid, lignins, flavonoids, and B-glucan.

Question 8

Examples of functional foods - algae

Answer 8

source of thickening agents - good source of protein like eggs and omega-3s

Question 9

what supplements have been banned in the US? what one is deemed unsafe but still available? What are they linked to?

Answer 9

banned — Larrea tridentate (chaparral), Ephedra sinica, and symphytum (comfrey)

unsafe — Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal)

linked to liver toxicity

Question 10

what % of supplement users engage in potentially dangerous practices and what are some examples?

Answer 10

18%

simultaneous use of vitamin E and anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents
B-carotene and smoking

Question 11

What is the enzyme system that is important with drug metabolism that can be of risk with supplements? What are some examples of supplements that are concerning?

Answer 11

cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzyme system

Hypericum perforatum (St John’s wort) can influence the CYP system and potentially reduce concentrations of some drugs, like imatinib and irinoteean

Allium sativum (garlic), Panax ginseng, and Gingko biloba also may interact with CYP substrates.

Silybum marianum (milk thistle) may reduce clearance of various drugs due to inhibit action of CYP ensymes.

Question 12

What are the 4 botanical dietary supplements that have been found to have drug interactions based on research trials?

Answer 12

St. john’s Wart
Goldenseal
Echinacea
Garlic oil

Question 13

What is one possible supplement that might be beneficial for patients due to issues of malnutrition?

Answer 13

a MVM or MVI