Understanding functional foods

To ensure good health, using functional foods is one of the easy-to-apply, effective and economical measures. Functional foods can be used for both sick and healthy people. According to the recommendations of medical and nutritional experts, each person can choose at least 1-3 suitable products to support the functions that the body needs, for daily use. However, the recommendation for users is to clearly understand the classification of functional foods to have the smartest choice.

According to According to Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Dang - Chairman of the Vietnam Functional Food Association, functional foods in Vietnam are currently classified in 6 ways: Classification by processing method, classification by product type, classification by function, and classification according to the Japanese FOSHU system.

1. Classification by processing method:

According to this classification method, this group is divided into four subgroups including:

Vitamin supplements, mineral supplements, biologically active supplements, herbal supplements.

• Vitamin Supplement:

For example :

+ Fruit juices with different flavors providing vitamin C, E, beta carotene are very popular in the UK.

• Mineral supplements :

+ Iodine supplementation in table salt and confectionery products is developed in over 100 countries.

+ Adding vitamins and minerals to energy drinks is strongly developed in Thailand, Korea, Japan, and China.

+ Pills: Calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron...

• Supplement biological active substances :

+ For example, adding DHA, EPA, omega 3... to milk, food for children...

• Prepared from herbs :

+ For example: Algae, Ganoderma, Ginseng, Cordyceps pills...

2. Classification by food type

+ Food – medicine form

• Tablet form:
• Tablets.
• Capsule.
• Effervescent tablets.
• Pill.

+ Liquid form.

+ Powder form.

+ Food and medicine form

3. Classification by announcement:

+ Nutritional disclosure

• Nutritional content declaration.
• Nutritional comparison statement.
• No additional announcement.

+ Health declaration

• Nutritional function declaration.
• Announce other functions.
• Declare reduced risk of disease.

1. Classification by function - effect:

• Dietary supplement to support anti-aging.
• Dietary supplements support digestion.
• Dietary supplement to help reduce blood pressure.
• Dietary supplements help reduce diabetes.
• Dietary supplement to increase vitality.
• Dietary supplement to prevent cerebral circulation disorders.

…

2. Classification by Japan:

According to Japan, functional foods are divided into two groups.

FOSHU System (Food for Specific Health use) - Functional foods for special purposes

+ Definition:

• Are foods that contain substances that affect the physiological functions and biological activities of the human body,
• A food that contains a claim that, if consumed daily, may provide a specific health benefit.
• Rated in accordance with scientific evidence of safety, quality effectiveness and approved by the government.

+ Suitable range of use:

• Suitable for people with developing illnesses, people whose causes of illness are related to eating habits.
• Helps improve eating habits and maintain health.

+ Conditions for FOSHU certification:

• Effectiveness on human body is clearly demonstrated.
• Proof of safety is indispensable.
• Safe use history.
• The use of appropriate nutritional ingredients.
• Guarantee of product technical compatibility over the life of the product.
• Establish quality control methods, such as product specifications, ingredients, processes, and analytical methods.

+ FOSHU certification procedure:

• The expert panel conducted the assessment:
• The Council on Pharmaceutical Affairs and Food Hygiene assessed the effectiveness.
• Food Safety Council assesses safety.
• The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) accepts FOSHU approval for the product.

+ Food with nutritional function recommendation (FNFC)

• Foods with nutritional function recommendations (FNFC) are intended to provide nutrients (vitamins, minerals) necessary for healthy growth and development, and to maintain health. FNFC is intended for people whose nutritional intake is inadequate due to aging or a diet deficient in micronutrients.
• These labels indicate the functions of nutritional ingredients as prescribed by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
• These products are freely manufactured and distributed, without the need for permission from the competent manufacturing authority.

Hopefully, the above information on functional food classification will help readers have an overview of functional foods in order to use them safely and effectively.