Functional food development: concept to reality

Functional food development involves several distinct stages from concept to successful market implementation. The objective of the present review is to define processes involved at each of these stages commencing with translation of an essential concept into an acceptable, marketable prototype. Such prototypes then require assessment for efficacy and safety through animal and human proof-of-concept testing. Publication of efficacy and safety data enhance the credibility for functional food products which translates into improved consumer awareness, which also forms the basis for regulatory approval and health claim development. Consumer acceptance and provision of health claims result in improved market penetration of functional food entities, which in itself spurs initiatives for creation of new products in the same cycle.