The term ‘nutraceutical’ was coined in 1989 by Dr Stephen DeFelice. It is an amalgamation of the two words ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’.

The term is fairly loose but describes any food supplement that has health benefits in addition to its nutritive value. It can also be used to describe a nutrient with drug-like properties, which is not legally recognized as a therapeutic agent.

A neutraceutical may also be called a botanical supplement, ergogenic aid, functional food, herbal, medical food, or nutriceutical.