Functional benefits of ergothioneine and fruit- and vegetable-derived nutraceuticals: Overview of the supplemental issue contents

For good reason, there is increasing interest in assessing the clinical efficacy of dietary supplements, naturally occurring compounds, and nutraceuticals intended for improving health and reducing disease. This is also a pressing interest in mitigating the effects of age-dependent chronic diseases. This opportunity argues for the need to develop a clear understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms responsible for the actions of dietary biofactors that can contribute to the slowing or preventing of diseases and the possibility of enhancing these improvements by coupling them with healthy lifestyle changes. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc.