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A bioactive compound is a compound that has an effect on a living organism, tissue or cell, usually demonstrated by basic research in 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]
- ^ Teodoro, A. J. (2019). "Bioactive Compounds of Food: Their Role in the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases". Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2019: 1–4. doi:10.1155/2019/3765986. PMC 6432691. PMID 30984334.
- ^ Lupton JR, Atkinson SA, Chang N, et al. (April 2014). "Exploring the benefits and challenges of establishing a DRI-like process for bioactives". European Journal of Nutrition. 53 (Suppl 1): 1–9. doi:10.1007/s00394-014-0666-3. PMC 3991826. PMID 24566766.