Products under this category are usually derived from food sources that are designed to provide extra health benefits, in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. Depending on the jurisdiction, these products may claim to prevent chronic diseases, improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy or support the structure or function of the body.
Indian Civilization was among the pioneers in suggesting that food can be effectively used as medicine. With the increasing cost and complexity of medical treatment, the fast-growing Middle and Upper Income Group population, crippled by the paucity of time leading to dependence on Fast Food, are gradually becoming health conscious and realizing the ever-important role played by different categories of dietary supplements in day to day life.