Bioactive compounds

Bioactive compounds are substances that show biological activity on ingestion — immunomodulatory, opioid, antihypertensive or hypolipidaemic effects, for example. Found across many foods, they interest the functional-foods sector and include bioactive peptides (widespread in dairy), many vitamins and fatty acids, flavonoids and phytosterols. They form the scientific basis of functional-food design, where researchers identify active compounds, demonstrate effects in trials, and develop enriched products or supplements. Regulatory frameworks increasingly demand robust evidence before health claims are permitted, separating genuine bioactives from marketing hype.