Nutraceuticals Derived from Medicinal Plants: A Pediatric Perspective

Nutraceuticals derived from medicinal plants have gained significant attention for their potential to provide essential nutrients and health benefits to children. Nutraceuticals are predicted to reach a global market value of US$441.7 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% during the forecast period. In 2022, the industry was valued at US$330.6 billion. This chapter aims to present a comprehensive overview of nutraceutical formulations sourced from medicinal plants that cater specifically to the nutritional needs and overall well-being of children. The utilization of local and seasonal natural sources to develop safe and effective products for pediatric nutrition can be an emerging field that requires thorough investigation. This chapter discusses the nutraceutical formulations for the pediatric segment, which provides choice among the functional foods available in the market to meet nutritional requirements as well as for alleviating the metabolic disorders associated with dietary dysregulations. It explores the phytochemical constituents present in plants, such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids, which contribute to growth, immunity, cognitive development, and overall vitality in children. The local approach to nutraceutical products from local flora and fauna is another crucial aspect covered in this chapter. Why the same nutraceutical formulations are not emulated everywhere, why there is no universal formula to tackle the nutritional needs of the children and how to meet the nutraceutical needs of the community using the local resource of medicinal and edible plants is discussed in the present chapter.