Animal-derived raw materials are rich in various nutrients, especially the high level of protein, and have good application prospects in health foods and other fields. However, due to their special sources and processing methods, the requirements for the compliant use of animal-derived raw materials are stringent. Therefore, when animal-derived raw materials are used to produce health foods, great attention needs to be paid to relevant laws and regulations, processing methods and the requirements for their safe application. In recent years, a lot of new progress has been made in the studies on the bioactive ingredients and functions of animal-derived raw materials, but there are few reviews on the evidence for the compliance use of animal-derived raw materials in the production of health foods, the current status of the use of animal-derived raw materials in the production of health foods, and the health functions of animal-derived raw materials in functional foods. In this context, this paper presents the evidence for the compliance use of animal-derived raw materials in the production of health foods in China, and a statistical analysis of the current status of the use of animal-derived raw materials in the production of health foods using the national special food information query platform as a retrieval tool. We hope that this review will provide a useful reference for further mining, development and utilization of animal-derived raw materials.

Gastrodia elata Bl. is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It contains a variety of bioactive components such as gastrodin, parishin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, polysaccharides, and has good health-promoting functions such as improving memory, helping sleep, and anti-epilepsy effect. At present, much progress has been made in the research on bioactive components in Gastrodia elata Bl. and their biological activity, but a systematic summary is lacking. Therefore, this article summarizes the basis for the application of Gastrodia elata Bl. in common foods and health foods, and reviews recent progress in research on major bioactive components in Gastrodia elata Bl. and their pharmacological effects and action mechanisms. We anticipate that this review will provide a reference for the reasonable application of Gastrodia elata Bl. in the food field and further research on its health benefits.

With the acceleration of population aging, the problem of functional constipation has become increasingly prominent, significantly affecting the quality of life of the elderly. Currently, there are numerous studies focusing on the pathogenesis of and nutritional interventions in functional constipation in the elderly population. However, systematic reviews are lacking. Therefore, this paper focuses on discussing the correlation between gut microbial metabolites and the occurrence of functional constipation, and presents a systematic summary and classification of the raw materials that have been approved for use in health foods for moistening the intestine and promoting defecation. Furthermore, their mechanisms of action in alleviating constipation are discussed. This review is expected to provide enlightenment and assistance for the research and development of functional foods against functional constipation in the elderly.

Visual fatigue is an eye discomfort caused by a variety of factors and affects a wide range of the population. Studies have shown that reasonable dietary supplements can effectively improve eye discomfort caused by visual fatigue and even reduce the occurrence of visual fatigue. At present, the mechanisms of action of carotenoids represented by lutein in relieving visual fatigue has not been studied deeply, and few reviews have been conducted on their application in health foods for relieving visual fatigue. Therefore, this article describes the pathways of digestion, absorption, and metabolism of carotenoids in the human body, and reviews recent progress in carotenoids for relieving visual fatigue. Also, this article provides a statistical analysis of the application of carotenoid-rich ingredients in health foods for relieving visual fatigue in China, with a view to providing a reference and inspiration for researchers to develop health foods for relieving visual fatigue.