Nutraceutical Formulation | Food Research Lab

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HOW DO FUNCTIONAL FOODS HELP IN THE MANAGEMENT OF
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS?
An Academic presentation by Dr. Nancy Agnes,
Head, Technical Operations, FoodResearchLab Group
www.foodresearchlab.com Email
info_at_foodresearchlab.com
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INTRODUCTION

• Mental health disorders are defined by the World
  Health Organization (WHO) as "A cluster of
  psychological, behavioural, and emotional
  symptoms that interfere with an individual's
  ability to function effectively in daily life.
• International guidelines define mental health
  disorders as conditions that cause significant
  distress or impairment in one or more areas of a
  person's life, including their thoughts,
  emotions, behaviours, and relationships.

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• It's worth noting that these disorders can
  manifest in different ways and affect the mental
  health of people differently.
• It is also possible for individuals to experience
  symptoms of multiple disorders simultaneously
  1.
• Medication, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT),
  exercise and rest can help manage the symptoms of
  mental health disorders.
• Recently, there has been a growing interest in
  the role of food in managing mental health
  disorders.

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Functional Food in Mental Health Disorders

• Functional foods contain specific nutrients or
  bioactive compounds that are believed to have
  health benefits beyond essential nutrition.
• There is strong evidence that some functional
  foods can benefit mental health.

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Omega-3-rich food

• Omega-3 fatty acids help in the development of
  the Central Nervous System(CNS).
• They also help in neurotransmission.
• Studies have shown that consuming omega-3-rich
  food like fatty fish, fish oil capsules, walnuts,
  and flaxseed has been shown to affect mood
  positively and might help reduce the symptoms of
  anxiety and depression 2.

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Fermented food

• There has been an increasing body of research
  which suggests that there is a strong association
  between gut health and mental health.
• Alteration of the gut microbiome leads to
  inflammation, which is implicated in the symptoms
  of mental health disorders.
• Fermented food like yoghurt and kefir involves
  intentionally adding beneficial microorganisms.
• This helps modulate the pathways that cause
  anxiety and depression by reducing inflammation
  in the body 3.

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Dark Chocolate

• Dark chocolate has a significantly higher content
  of flavonoids than white or milk chocolate.
• They have anti-oxidant properties and reduce
  inflammatory damage to cells, benefiting mental
  health.
• In addition, it helps improve blood flow to the
  brain, subsequently improving cognitive health
  4.

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Turmeric

• Turmeric is rich in curcumin, and studies have
  shown that curcumin is a compound with
  anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce
  symptoms of depression.

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• Research suggests that including some functional
  and speciality food in the diet may be an
  effective way to enhance general mental health
  and well-being.
• To fully comprehend the relationship between
  functional food and mental health, more research
  is needed.
• It is crucial to note that functional food should
  be considered a complementary strategy that can
  be used with other interventions, not as a
  substitute for expert mental health therapy.

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CONCLUSION

• A comprehensive treatment plan is required to
  manage mental health disorders.
• Functional food can be a valuable addition to the
  treatment.
• Before consuming, it's crucial to get guidance
  from a licenced professional to ensure there are
  no drug-food interactions or a decrease in the
  efficacy of the medication.

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HOW THE FOOD RESEARCH LAB CAN HELP

• The Food Research Lab is a food license
  consultant that offers nutraceutical formulation
  services using carefully sourced ingredients.
• The team of experts assist their clients at every
  step, from obtaining an idea about consumer
  preferences via market research to product
  formulation, testing and labelling, which ensures
  the product meets the regulatory requirements,
  making it successful.

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EMAIL
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