A new nutrient can be added to medical foods for the first time in decades
What happened
US health regulators are considering a new ingredient for medical foods. This ingredient, 4'-phosphopantetheine (4'-PPT), is a nutrient that helps the body use energy.
Why it matters
For decades, the list of approved ingredients for medical foods has been very stable. Adding a new nutrient means companies can now develop new formulations for patients with specific dietary needs. This could open up new treatment options for people who rely on medical foods.
The signal
Watch for the final rule and whether other companies file similar petitions for new nutrient additives in medical foods.