Nanoparticles can be found in foods, energy drinks and dietary supplements, but most consumers are unaware they are ingesting these particles, because the United States Food and Drug Administration does not require such information to be printed on labels, according to this article. Identification of nanoparticles in food currently relies on self-reporting. The particles have the potential to improve foods, as nanoscale food components can be encapsulated and mixed with other foods in novel combinations. One major new application of the technology could be a time-release mechanism in functional foods. Certain molecules would be activated when the body’s levels of a particular nutrient were especially low. Similarly, nanotechnology could be used to enhance the vitamin benefit and antioxidant content in functional foods and supplements. Microcapsules could be developed that used nanotechnology to meet the nutrition needs of children in various countries and cultures. The article concludes: “Nanotechnology has a variety of potential uses in food that may offer health or nutritional benefits to the consumer, and market benefits to the food industry. These include creating foods with the same taste, but lower fat, salt or sugar levels, [as well as] better packaging that keeps food fresher for longer and alerts consumers if the contents have [spoiled].”
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2011/05/tiny-particles-with-big-benefits.aspx