New products made from amino acids, peptides and whole protein from diverse sources not only are helping to pack pounds of lean muscle tissue onto professional and amateur athletes, but they are also instrumental in the repair of limbs and organs woefully damaged by burn, accident or disease.

For centuries, blueberries (Vaccinnium) have been touted in folklore and medicine as a valuable functional food.

Supplements and food ingredients availing the diabetic and Syndrome X populations are poised for growth.

Prebiotic ingredients stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria. Proper nutrition is essential to maintaining a healthy status, however, Western diets often lack healthful ingredients such as fruit, fiber, and whole grains. A key to maintaining good health includes nurturing the body’s naturally occurring microorganisms for proper digestive-tract function.

Today, good scientific evidence exists to support the ability of probiotics (whether living) to increase a body's resistance to enteric pathogens, speed recovery from antibiotic-associated diarrhea, reduce hypertension, and assist with lactose digestion.

In a fast-paced and time-crunched society, it is no wonder that stress levels are high.

A shortfall of vitamins and minerals among the "well-heeled" is linked to increased health risks. With approximately half of the U.S. population categorized as overweight, one would think that people are consuming more than the recommended amounts of essential nutrients.

Pharmaceutical companies influence doctor-prescribed medications.

Consumed for centuries by other cultures, some exotic herbs and ingredients may qualify for GRAS status.