Extracts Rich in Nutrients as Novel Food Ingredients to Be Used in Food Supplements: A Proposal Classification

Abstract

Consumers’ commitment to healthy lifestyles and a varied diet has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, causing an increase in the demand of better food quality and variety. The food industry has opted for innovation and the search for new sources of food, and these trends led to the need to develop a European regulatory framework. Novel foods are under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (formerly Regulation (EC) No 258/97), and this concept includes all food not used in an important measure for human consumption in the EU before 15 May 1997, and which is included in any of the food categories established. Currently, there are 26 extracts authorized as novel foods or ingredients, being one of the most numerous groups. These extracts are concentrated sources of nutrients, and 23 of them can be used in food supplements. Given their heterogeneous composition and the perceptive risk assessments performed, sometimes, the authorizations are limited to certain population groups. The present work is a comprehensive review of the extracts rich in nutrients authorized as novel ingredients to be used in food supplements within the EU. A classification is proposed according to their source of origin, resulting in four main groups: extracts of plant, animal, algae, and fungal origins. A description of each extract as well as the evaluation of the potential use restriction and health benefits are also addressed.

New insights of the application of water or ethanol-water plant extract rich in active compounds in food

“…In conclusion, even though the previously mentioned study included just oleoresins, essential oils, and dried herbs from various sources (plants, algae, fungi, or lichens), we anticipate market growth in food and beverages with applied plant extract ( 256 ). Moreover, López-Rodríguez et al (2022) assume that plant-origin extracts will be the most likely examined group in the scientific literature because this type of extracts has been the most approved as novel food in the last 5 years more than algal, fungal, and animal-origin extracts ( 98 ).…”

“…Also, the type of solvent should be considered because an aqueous extract may be classified entirely differently from a plant extract prepared with other solvents ( 97 ). According to López-Rodríguez et al, a total of 18 plant extracts have been approved as novel food or ingredients until 2022 ( 98 ). The examples of leaves extract in this group are rosemary extracts ( Rosmarinus officinalis L., ethanolic extracts or extracts prepared by supercritical CO 2 extraction) ( 99 ), aqueous extracts of Ilex guayusa ( 98 ), and a purified extract of green tea [ Camellia sinensis (L.)] Kuntze, containing at least of 90% (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate ( 100 ).…”

“…According to López-Rodríguez et al, a total of 18 plant extracts have been approved as novel food or ingredients until 2022 ( 98 ). The examples of leaves extract in this group are rosemary extracts ( Rosmarinus officinalis L., ethanolic extracts or extracts prepared by supercritical CO 2 extraction) ( 99 ), aqueous extracts of Ilex guayusa ( 98 ), and a purified extract of green tea [ Camellia sinensis (L.)] Kuntze, containing at least of 90% (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate ( 100 ). Roots are another part of plants that could be used for the preparation of extracts; for example, the powder of three herbal roots ( Angelica gigas Nakai, Phlomis umbrosa Turcz., and Cynanchum wilfordii Hemsley) obtained by aqueous extraction, evaporation, and finally, spray drying ( 101 ).…”

“…Consumers might be attracted to the extract’s unique natural flavor, which enhances the taste of a drink. For example, cranberry extract powder was initially applicated in different types of beverages and by a variety of population age categories; however, since 2017, the EFSA has allowed its use only for adults and excluded all children, from infants to adolescents ( 98 , 223 ). Furthermore, anthocyanins might be used as a natural coloring agent, under the additive-number E163, in acidic beverages such as fruit or aromatized wines, cider, flavored and carbonated soft drinks ( 224 , 225 ).…”

Bioactive Peptides Derived from Edible Insects: Effects on Human Health and Possible Applications in Dentistry

“…In fact, many novel foods, rich in bioactive compounds, have been shown to have therapeutic potentials in a wide variety of pathologic conditions. Among the extracts authorized as novel foods for their uses in food supplements, those more studied in the literature are plant-origin ones [11]. Nonetheless, unusual novel foods (including insects) are given more attention due to their potentials in human health.…”