Medical foods—think “prescription nutrition”—go beyond simple diet changes and are gaining ground in the U.S. and around the world as stand-alone or add-on therapies for health.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the term “medical foods” refers to foods that are specially formulated and processed for patients who are seriously ill or require the product as a major treatment modality.

New findings show that two medical foods (Theramine for chronic inflammation and Sentra PM for sleep disorders) are safe and effective in clinical practice. Research also says a patented blend of B vitamins called Metanx helps with diabetes-related nerve pain. Additionally, products in this category are prescribed to manage other types of chronic pain as well as sleep disorders associated with depression and anxiety.

Medical foods don’t undergo the same testing as drugs before they can be sold at pharmacies. But FDA regulations assure these products are safe and claims are truthful.

Click here for more information on medical foods and how they work.

Medical Foods for Health The Saturday Evening Post