The American Dietetic Association says that although all foods are functional to a point, it defines functional foods as "functional foods that include whole foods and fortified, enriched or enhanced foods have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis, at effective levels." According to the ADA, there are four types of functional foods.
Conventional Foods
Conventional foods are the simplest type of functional foods because they don't need any modifications. The ADA considers whole fruits and vegetables as functional foods because they are rich in phytochemicals such as lycopene, lutein and sulforaphane, as well as other bioactive compounds. Cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits and tomato products may reduce your risk of certain types of cancer, dark chocolate is good for your hearth, and yogurt with natural probiotic bacteria may help maintain the health of your digestive system.
Modified Foods
Modified foods are functional foods that have been enriched, fortified or enhanced with nutrients or other bioactive compounds. According to the ADA, this includes calcium-fortified orange juice, folic-acid enriched breads and margarine enhanced with plant sterols that can reduce your cholesterol levels. Modified foods also include energy drinks that contain herbs such as ginseng and guarana or the amino acid taurine. The health claims of some modified foods may be controversial, so speak with your doctor before consuming modified foods.
Medical Foods
Medical foods are defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as "food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation." Medical foods include specialize formulas designed for people who have specific health problems such as diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease and must be used under the guidance of your doctor.
Foods for Special Dietary Use
Foods for special dietary use are similar to medical foods, but they don't require medical supervision and are available commercially. They may supply special dietary needs that are due to specific health conditions, such as gluten-free foods, lactose-free dairy products and foods designed to aid weight loss. If you have any health conditions, you should speak to your doctor before consuming foods for special dietary use.
References
- American Dietetic Association; Press Release; Enriching the Diet: American Dietetic Association Releases Updated Position Paper on Functional Food; April 2009
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Position of the American Dietetic Association: Functional Foods; C.M. Hasler, et al.; April 2009
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Orphan Drug Act; May 2011
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