Although phytochemicals are not yet classified as nutrients , substances necessary for sustaining life, they have been identified as containing properties for aiding in disease prevention. They are involved in many processes including ones that help prevent cell damage, prevent cancer cell replication, and decrease cholesterol levels. With health-care costs being a major issue today, it would be cost effective to continue the research needed to help promote the awareness and consumption of phytochemicals as a prevention strategy for the public. It should be expected that extracted phytochemicals will be, if not already, available for consumer purchasing. It is important to continue the effort to encourage increased fruit, vegetable, and grain consumption to acquire the benefits of phytochemicals versus simply ingesting a pill containing these substances.
Researchers continue to investigate the interactions of phytochemicals naturally present in food.
It would be difficult to extract phytochemicals from plants for supplement use before understanding the synergistic effect of all phytochemicals present. Individual phytochemicals are being evaluated for their safety and effectiveness in regard to disease prevention. Although most studies support positive outcomes, there are a few studies involving animals that show possible detrimental effects. These studies involve animals and specific extracted phytochemicals in high dosages. The safety of consuming large amounts of fruits, vegetables, and grains is not presently a concern.