Functional Ingredients: From Molecule to Market—AI-Enabled Design, Bioavailability, Consumer Impact, and Clinical Evidence

Functional ingredients such as dietary fibers, probiotics and prebiotics, polyphenols, omega- 3 fatty acids, and bioactive peptides are increasingly central to food systems that aim to de- liver health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This review explores how molecular structure, physicochemical properties, metabolism, and microbiome interactions affect bioactivity and bioavailability. We highlight advances in green extraction, encapsulation technologies, and 3D/4D printing that enhance the...