LAUSR

Abstract The nutraceutical or ‘bioceutical’ is an active compound with a pharmaceutical and standardized nutrient, which has physiological benefits for human health, performance, and well-being. Nanoencapsulation technology has received increasing attention for entrapping bioactive compounds into nanocarriers for their preservation against undesirable conditions, including gastrointestinal digestion and cellular metabolism; controlling their release, enhancing biodistribution and bioavailability of bioactive compounds and their delivery into the target site of the organism's body. This paper presents an overview of and discusses the different nanocarriers (food grade and other nano-delivery systems) used for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds or nutraceuticals concerning the advantages and disadvantages of their application. It is well-known that the commercialization of food products containing nanocarriers having nutraceuticals is still in the primary stages of expansion, and risk assessment and safety factors should be considered by national bodies before their widespread usage.