title: [Functional nutrients, digestive tract and potencial benefits for the child].
abstract: Widespread interest in the possibility that selected foods containing specifically physiologically active components might promote health has resulted in the coining of the term Functional Food. Recent studies have shown that modified foods or selected ingredients may provide health benefits. Benefits touted by these foods are known to prevent certain diseases, promote health or both; and by that promoting a state of well-being and better health; reducing the risk of disease. The gastrointestinal tract is an obvious target for the development of Functional Foods, acting as it does as the interface between diet and the metabolic events, which sustain life. The American Dietetic Association recommends cautious evaluation of the clinical efficacy of individual nutrients/ingredients before recommending their use to promote as specific health outcome. Identification of sensitive and reliable biomarkers will be key to adequate assessment of the true effect of foods and their components.
authors.forename: Jorge L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Alarcón Mangini
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alarcón Menéndez
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans