Difference Between Nutraceutical vs Pharmaceutical
It is quite popular these days to see the words nutraceutical and pharmaceutical on labels, advertisements and products. With the increase in focus towards health and wellness, these terms have become common. Though these terms sound similar and both contribute to health, they refer to very different categories of products.
In this blog, we will walk you through the important differences between nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals so that you make a well informed choice for your needs.
What Are Nutraceuticals?
They can be defined as something that has been derived from food having advantages beyond basic nutrition. They do not cure diseases, rather they support body functions by enhancing health, improving general well being and helping in the prevention of chronic conditions.
Common forms include:
• Dietary supplements such as multivitamins
• Herbal extracts and powders
• Probiotics and prebiotics
• Antioxidant and Omega-3 capsules
• Functional Foods such as Juices and Cereals
People looking to maintain good health or tackle minor health issues tend to take nutraceuticals more often.
What Are Pharmaceuticals?
On the contrary, Pharmaceticals are medicines formulated to treat, manage, or even cure diseases. These medicines are prescribed for certain duration or for a prolonged period of time depending on the condition.
They include:
• Pain relievers
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications
• Hormonal therapies
Pharmaceuticals are normally researched, developed and undergoing testing for specific effect on the body. They are used both in emergency care and management of chronic diseases.
Key Differences between Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals
Prior to diving into their similarities, let us look into how these two differ in functionality, formulation and usage.
1. Purpose of Use
Nutraceuticals: Aim towards prevention and general wellness. These are taken to boost immunity, aid in digestion, promote heart health and much more.
Pharmaceuticals: Developed for the diagnosis, management and treatment of specific diseases and medical conditions.
2. Source and Composition
Nutraceuticals: Tend to stem from natural food source bases. Including but not limited to herbs, fruits, seeds and even minerals.
Pharmaceuticals: Primarily sourced as fully synthetic or semi-synthetic. Precision and potency are crucial factors behind the creation through chemical processes.
3. How they are Obtained and Used?
Nutraceuticals are readily available for purchase without a prescription and with no associated healthcare fees.
Pharmaceuticals are acquired from healthcare centres after a doctor has checked the condition of a patient and given them a prescription.
4. Safety and Side Effects
Nutraceuticals is relatively safe for consumption by the general public. Safe dosages are outlined and there is a limit on how much of it is recommended to be taken. However, overdoing the nutraceuticals or not taking them properly will cause certain adverse effects.
Pharmaceuticals are products of design and alteration, with every medicine possessing a targeted action; however, they do have some side effects that are bound, documented and monitored by professionals in to the health field.
Which One Should You Choose?
1. Go with nutraceuticals: if your focus is on health promotion, illness prevention, or managing mild symptoms in a more gentle and natural manner.
2. Opt for pharmaceuticals: when the threat of needing a strong medical support to a condition that has already been diagnosed is looming.
Most of the time, the optimal outcome is achieved by a combination of factors—remaining diligent with regards to nutrition and supplementation while reserving medications for true necessity.
Conclusion
If you are looking for Nutraceutical Manufacturers in India, Aesthetic Softcaps is a highly professional and trusted manufacturer and exporter of nutraceuticals, health supplements and wellness products. We are accredited with USFDA, WHO-GMP, GHP, HACCP, HALAL and ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000:2018 certifications.
