Article by Jamie Costello
When we think of services and products that are sold in today’s society, there is always someone or something that is striving to go the extra step to make something perform even better. Technology has been one reason why this has been made possible, dissolving traditional methods and taking advantage of early developments to increase efficiency and decrease difficulty. The same goes for nanotechnology within dietary and health supplements, making a difference in the foods that we consume and how we eat.
How has it influenced health supplements?
Nanotechnology is defined as technology that deals with atom and molecule dimensions of less than 100 nanometers. This accumulates to 1 millionth of a millimetre. This means absorption within the body is more efficient, meaning less ingredient use and more access to particular body parts that may not be accessible from conventional-sized particles of the same substance. Nanotechnology can also be beneficial for prolonging the life of particular substances within the body as it can help to avoid excretion. This can keep the relevant nutrients and vitamins found in health supplements maintain their position within the human body.
What are the positive effects from it?
Substances being prolonged in the body isn’t the only positive seen from the nanotechnology. Although these can be less obvious, their effects are just as significant. For example, nanotechnology within supplements allows for micelles formation, a chemical structure that allows for the dispersion of certain particles together without the use of emulsifiers which are commonly found in processed foods.
It can also protect substances that are easily broken down or displaced in particular environments of the body where commonly these particles would be broken down. This allows the body to absorb certain particles rather than them be destroyed. As of now, the main use of nanotechnological advances is within food container materials to help preserve freshness and prevent bacterial decomposition.
How can they be negative?
Whilst nanotechnology can improve the absorption of particles in the body, there are concerns about the effect it can have on humans and animals. Due to the impact that the nanotechnology substance has on the body, these changes are also likely to occur on the behaviour of biological species. The main concern with including nanotechnology in health supplements is increasing the inability to excrete particular substances, raising the risk of toxic levels building up and affecting useful bodily functions. Due to the size of the particles, they would have access to parts of the body which wouldn’t necessarily be accessible with conventionally sized particles, like access to through the placenta to the fetus, where nanomaterials could produce birth defects.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that nanotechnology can be seen as a groundbreaking technology and will be changing how industries work due to its qualities. However, we should also consider that whilst we’re open to new possibilities and characteristics, implementing nanotechnology within ingredient use can bring inconvenient responses when consumed by users. The biggest concern for FDA is the minimal safety assessments towards nanotechnology substances and the reactions that it could potentially cause. Therefore, whilst there are advantages, there is also harm that can be caused to the consumer.
