The Role of Foods and Nutritional and Botanical Supplements for the Enhancement of Human Health and Performance

The use of nutritional and botanical supplements for enhancement of human health and performance has moved from “alternative” health care to an integrative part of a comprehensive self-care paradigm. Innovative new discoveries have driven demand for dietary supplements to all-time highs, but more evidence from independent, high-quality research is needed to validate and extend existing reports. Recognizing that supplements and fortified foods are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease, evidence for their use to complement a holistic approach to human health and performance has grown remarkably. The paradigm of precision nutrition further extends models of human performance, recognizing that many metabolic and gut microbiome factors are personalized to the individual. Accordingly, research studies and their applications must address at least these three topics: how much, how often, and in whom? This reprint includes innovative research that will help address the challenges and opportunities facing nutrition researchers, health care professionals, and consumers today and in the future.