Ingredient

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Ingredient is a substance that forms part of a mixture (in a general sense). For example, in cooking, recipes specify which ingredients are used to prepare a specific dish. Many commercial products contain a secret ingredient that is purported to make them better than competing products. In the pharmaceutical industry, an active ingredient is that part of a formulation that yields the effect expected by the customer.

Definition[edit | edit source]

An ingredient is a substance that is used in a mixture to achieve a desired effect. In the context of food and cooking, an ingredient is any of the foods that are combined to create a dish. In the pharmaceutical industry, an ingredient refers to the active component in a drug or medication that produces the intended therapeutic effect.

Types of Ingredients[edit | edit source]

There are various types of ingredients used in different industries. Some of these include:

  • Food Ingredients: These are substances used in the production of food. They can be natural like fruits, vegetables, and meat, or artificial like preservatives and flavor enhancers.
  • Pharmaceutical Ingredients: These are active substances in a drug or medication that produces the intended therapeutic effect.
  • Cosmetic Ingredients: These are substances used in the production of cosmetic products. They can be natural or synthetic.

Use in Different Industries[edit | edit source]

Ingredients are used in various industries for different purposes. Some of these industries include:

  • Food Industry: Ingredients are used in the food industry to create different dishes. They can be used for their nutritional value, flavor, or for preservation purposes.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical industry, ingredients are used to create drugs and medications. The active ingredient is the component that produces the intended therapeutic effect.
  • Cosmetic Industry: Ingredients are used in the cosmetic industry to create products like creams, lotions, and makeup. They can be used for their beneficial properties to the skin, for their scent, or for their aesthetic properties.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Ingredient Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD