This review offers a comprehensive analysis of food for special medical purposes (FSMPs)—specially formulated foods designed to support the dietary management of individuals with specific medical conditions. The regulatory frameworks governing FSMP differ significantly across key regions, including the European Union, North America (with a focus on the United States), and Asia (primarily China and India). FSMP is critical in addressing malnutrition, metabolic disorders (including inborn errors of metabolism), and chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological conditions. Recent advancements, such as the application of three-dimensional printing technology and the growing emphasis on personalized nutrition, are poised to revolutionize the FSMP industry. The global market for FSMP is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in China, driven by factors like aging populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Future trends suggest a shift toward more personalized, technologically advanced FSMP formulations. However, challenges such as high costs, limited accessibility, unclear regulations, and poor palatability must be addressed to maximize the potential of FSMP in enhancing patient care.
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The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes is a significant health concern both in globally and is now regarded as a worldwide epidemic. Added sugars like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are a major concern due to their link with an increased incidence of diet-induced obesity and diabetes. The purpose of this review is to provide insight into the effects of natural sweeteners as alternatives to sucrose and HFCS, which are known to have negative impacts on metabolic diseases and to promote further research on sugar consumption with a focus on improving metabolic health. The collective evidences suggest that natural alternative sweeteners have positive impacts on various markers associated with obesity and diabetes, including body weight gain, hepatic fat accumulation, abnormal blood glucose or lipid homeostasis, and insulin resistance. Taken together, natural alternative sweeteners can be useful substitutes to decrease the risk of obesity and diabetes compared with sucrose and HFCS.
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