Pharmaceuticals to Nutraceuticals : A Shift in Disease Prevention

Recently, there has been a fundamental shift in the global health and wellness industry from disease treatment to preventing chronic diseases. The use of nutraceuticals and functional foods in prevention efforts could lead to a decreased dependency on drugs. The pharmaceutical industry recognizes this shift; however, serious concerns have arisen regarding the claimed efficacy, quality, and safety of products used as medical foods.

This book examines the consumer and industry mindshift, including the scientific evidence of these foods as effective adjuncts to pharmacotherapy during all stages of treatment of various diseases, thus indicating that pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals can and should coexist. It details quality, safety, and efficacy of foods, drugs, and nutrients; marketing and product positioning; regulatory perspectives; biomarkers and metabolites; probiotics; food/drug interactions; and future industry trends. In addition, food bioactives represent diet-based molecules that perform physiological roles related to disease prevention and treatment. As such, a considerable overlap exists between food bioactives and drugs—this book presents the case for comparing and contrasting foods versus drugs in several models of health and disease.

is an international speaker, facilitator, and author. He is professionally associated with Soho Flordis International (SFI), Australia, and Western Sydney University and is an Honorary Ambassador at with the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI), Australia.

With more than 20 years of experience in both the pharmaceutical and food and nutrition industries, he is one of the pioneer researchers to assess the health claim opportunities of potential functional food ingredients and complementary medicines through an evaluation of the current scientific evidence–based and related claims, providing commentaries on the gaps in science, including potential requirements for research, such as human studies.

Dr. Ghosh received a PhD in biomedical science from the University of Calcutta, India, along with a BSc (Hons) and MSc in zoology/microbiology and an MPhil in environmental sciences.

Dr. Ghosh has published more than 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals and numerous articles in food and nutrition magazines and books. His recent books Biotechnology in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals, Innovation of Healthy and Functional Foods, and Clinical Aspects of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals were all published by CRC Press/Taylor & Francis in 2010, 2012, and 2014, respectively. He is the review editor of Frontiers in Nutrigenomics (2011–present), the American Journal of Advanced Food Science and Technology (2012–present), the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Research (2013–present), and the Journal of Bioethics (2013–present). He was an associate editor and member of Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods, Taylor & Francis (2006–2007), and is a columnist for the World of Nutraceuticals. Dr. Ghosh is also in executive member and advisor of the Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA).

R.B. Smarta, PhD,  as designed management agendas for profitable growth and relevant expansion, launching new concepts, ideas, and projects for national and global clients in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and wellness. Dr. Smarta has been in the industry for more than four decades and in consulting for a little more than three decades.

He is the founder and managing director of Interlink Marketing Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. In addition to a postgraduate degree in organic chemistry, Dr. Smarta earned an MMS in marketing from the University of Mumbai. He holds a doctorate (PhD) in management from the University of East Georgia, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Commerce (FRSA), and is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC). He has added value and created an impact on the performance of a wide variety of clients at national and multinational corporations.

Being an advocate of this nascent and essential industry of nutrition and nutraceuticals, he is assisting in shaping the industry and its agenda with the help of industry leaders, members, and regulatory bodies through India’s Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA) as an Honorary Secretary.

Dr. Smarta has penned eight books in the areas of pharma marketing and pharmaceutical business and nutraceuticals. Some of his titles have also been translated into German. He regularly contributes articles to several dailies and industry periodicals. He has produced video-based training packages called Interact  or corporate trainers to enhance their skills on an ongoing basis. Dr. Smarta is a recipient of many national awards.