Board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Robert Kast leverages his decades of clinical experience as a consultant and advisor for diverse medical companies and agencies. In addition to serving as an expert witness for the Division of Professional Regulation - Florida Department of Health, Dr. Robert Kast is a respected consultant for commercial nutraceutical developers. 

Also known as nutraceuticals, functional foods make up a multi-billion dollar industry. More than 100 million people annually consume them as part of their healthcare regimen. According to the FDA, functional foods fall under the category of medical foods, which contain specialized amounts of specific nutrients to promote health. 

For example, patients with an intolerance or allergy to a specific protein may be given medical foods formulated without that protein by their healthcare provider. On the other hand, doctors may recommend foods fortified with the amino acid glutamine to patients managing inflammation in their gastrointestinal tract. 

Additionally, many functional foods are derived from natural fruits and vegetables. Fresh ginger root, for instance, is used to treat indigestion, while the capsaicin found in chili peppers functions as an effective topical pain reliever for several nerve-related skin conditions and rheumatoid arthritis.