Genetically Modified Products and Non‐GMO Products in Nutraceuticals

Inadequate crop production and malnutrition remains a global concern with respect to nutrition. These issues are alleviated by the production of nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals include isolated nutrients, herbal products, dietary supplements, genetically engineered “designer” foods, and processed products. The bioactive components in nutraceuticals are the naturally occurring metabolites such as antioxidants, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), phytochemicals found in plant, animals, and microorganisms. Genetic engineering techniques improve the nutritional and therapeutic value of the of the natural foods. Transgenic plants and animals can be designed as bio-factories for production of humanized therapeutics. The genetically modified (GM) nutraceuticals are inherently associated with the risks of allergy, toxicity, and genetic hazard. Yet the public perception remains positive if the GM nutraceuticals offer disease protection. The spices and herbs used traditionally and the novel nutraceuticals produced from fruit residues constitute the non-GM nutraceuticals. The nutraceuticals are stabilized by nanocarriers, increasing their bioavailability. The conjugation of nutraceuticals with cancer therapeutics is an exciting study in the field of nanotechnology. This chapter highlights the GM and non-GM products in nutraceuticals.