A bioactive compound is a compound that has an effect on a living organism, tissue or cell, usually demonstrated by basic researchin vitro or in vivo in the laboratory. While dietary nutrients are essential to life, bioactive compounds have not been proved to be essential – as the body can function without them – or because their actions are obscured by nutrients fulfilling the function.[1]
Bioactive compounds lack sufficient evidence of effect or safety, and consequently they are usually unregulated and may be sold as dietary supplements.[2]
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements proposed a definition of bioactives in the context of human nutrition as "compounds that are constituents in foods and dietary supplements, other than those needed to meet basic human nutritional needs, which are responsible for changes in health status", although a range of other definitions are used.[8][7] Traditionally, dietary recommendations, such as DRIs used in Canada and the United States, focused on deficiencies causing diseases, and therefore emphasized defined essential nutrients.[9]
Bioactive compounds have not been adequately defined for the extent of their bioactivity in humans, indicating that their role in disease prevention and maintenance remains unknown.[9]Dietary fiber, for example, is a non-essential dietary component without a DRI, yet is commonly recommended for the diet to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.[10][11] Frameworks for developing DRIs for bioactive compounds have to establish an association with health, safety and non-toxicity.[9][12][13][14]
As of 2021, there are no dietary recommendations in North America or Europe for bioactives, except for fiber. However, there are ongoing discussions whether further bioactives should be included in future dietary guidelines.[9][15] A 2024 review highlighted that bioactive compounds found in Mediterranean diet components (such as olive, grape, garlic, rosemary, and saffron) exhibit properties that may contribute to cardiovascular health.[16]
^Trumbo P, Schlicker S, Yates AA, Poos M, et al. (Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, The National Academies) (November 2002). "Dietary reference intakes for energy, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein and amino acids". Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 102 (11): 1621–1630. doi:10.1016/S0002-8223(02)90346-9. PMID12449285.
^Erdman, John W. (2022). "Health and nutrition beyond essential nutrients: The evolution of the bioactives concept for human health". Molecular Aspects of Medicine. 89: 101116. doi:10.1016/j.mam.2022.101116. PMID35965134.
^Anguera-Tejedor, Mateu; Garrido, Gabino; Garrido-Suárez, Bárbara B.; Ardiles-Rivera, Alejandro; Bistué-Rovira, Àngel; Jiménez-Altayó, Francesc; Delgado-Hernández, René (December 2024). "Exploring the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from selected plant extracts of Mediterranean diet constituents for cardiovascular diseases: A review of mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, and adverse effects". Food Bioscience. 62: 105487. doi:10.1016/j.fbio.2024.105487.
Further reading
Biesalski, Hans-Konrad; Dragsted, Lars Ove; Elmadfa, Ibrahim; Grossklaus, Rolf; Müller, Michael; Schrenk, Dieter; Walter, Paul; Weber, Peter (November 2009). "Bioactive compounds: Safety and efficacy". Nutrition. 25 (11–12): 1206–1211. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2009.06.014. PMID19665872.
Liu, Rui Hai (June 2013). "Dietary Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Implications". Journal of Food Science. 78 (s1): A18-25. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.12101. PMID23789932.
Biesalski, Hans-Konrad; Dragsted, Lars Ove; Elmadfa, Ibrahim; Grossklaus, Rolf; Müller, Michael; Schrenk, Dieter; Walter, Paul; Weber, Peter (November 2009). "Bioactive compounds: Definition and assessment of activity". Nutrition. 25 (11–12): 1202–1205. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2009.04.023. PMID19695833.
Kris-Etherton, P.M.; Lefevre, M.; Beecher, G.R.; Gross, M.D.; Keen, C.L.; Etherton, T.D. (14 July 2004). "Bioactive compounds in nutrition and health-research methodologies for establishing biological function: the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids on atherosclerosis". Annual Review of Nutrition. 24 (1): 511–538. doi:10.1146/annurev.nutr.23.011702.073237. PMID15189130. ProQuest204147173.