Nutraceuticals (UG Level) – Online Certification Course 

Course Duration: 20- 30 Hours
Mode: Online Live + Recorded Sessions
Eligibility: B.Sc., Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Agriculture, and Allied Health Sciences Students.

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamentals of nutraceuticals and functional foods.
• Learn the role of bioactive compounds in health promotion and disease prevention.
• Study the extraction, formulation, and quality evaluation of nutraceutical products.
• Understand regulatory guidelines and market trends in the nutraceutical industry.
• Explore career opportunities in nutraceutical research, manufacturing, and marketing.

Module 1: Introduction to Nutraceuticals 

Topics

• Definition and concept of Nutraceuticals
• Nutraceuticals vs Functional Foods vs Dietary Supplements
• History and evolution of nutraceuticals
• Classification of nutraceuticals
• Current market trends and opportunities

Learning Outcomes

• Differentiate between nutraceuticals, supplements, and functional foods.
• Understand the significance of nutraceuticals in preventive healthcare.

Module 2: Bioactive Compounds in Nutraceuticals 

Topics

• Vitamins and Minerals
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Carotenoids (Lycopene, Beta-Carotene)
• Polyphenols and Flavonoids
• Phytosterols and Isoflavones
• Herbal Nutraceuticals

Learning Outcomes

• Identify major bioactive compounds and their health benefits.
• Understand sources and applications of nutraceutical ingredients.

Module 3: Functional Foods and Probiotics 

Topics

• Functional Foods: Concept and Applications
• Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics
• Fermented Foods
• Gut Health and Microbiome
• Personalized Nutrition

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the role of functional foods in disease prevention.
• Understand probiotic formulations and applications.

Module 4: Nutraceuticals in Disease Management 

Topics

• Cardiovascular Health
• Diabetes Management
• Obesity and Weight Management
• Immune Enhancement
• Cancer Prevention
• Bone and Joint Health

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the role of nutraceuticals in managing lifestyle disorders.
• Evaluate scientific evidence supporting nutraceutical interventions.

Module 5: Extraction, Formulation & Manufacturing 

Topics

• Extraction Techniques
• Isolation of Bioactive Compounds
• Formulation of Nutraceutical Products
• Encapsulation Technologies
• Stability and Shelf-Life Studies
• GMP in Nutraceutical Industry

Learning Outcomes

• Understand manufacturing processes and quality requirements.
• Learn basic formulation approaches for nutraceutical products.

Module 6: Regulatory Affairs & Quality Control 

Topics

• FSSAI Regulations for Nutraceuticals
• Labeling and Health Claims
• Safety Assessment and Toxicity
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control
• Global Regulatory Framework

Learning Outcomes

• Understand regulatory compliance requirements.
• Interpret nutraceutical product labels and claims.

Practical / Hands-on Activities 

• Identification of Nutraceutical Products
• Extraction of Plant Bioactives
• Analysis of Antioxidant Activity
• Development of a Functional Food Product
• Product Label Evaluation Exercise

Mini Project

Students will prepare a report on:

• Development of a Nutraceutical Product OR
• Market Analysis of a Nutraceutical Brand OR
• Literature Review on Nutraceuticals in Disease Prevention

Assessment Pattern

Career Opportunities

• Nutraceutical Product Development
• Regulatory Affairs Executive
• Quality Control Analyst
• Food & Nutrition Consultant
• Research Associate
• Clinical Nutrition Industry
• Functional Food Industry
• Nutraceutical Sales & Marketing Executive

Certificate: "Certificate in Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods" upon successful completion.