Nutrition

A supplement once hailed as a game-changer for longevity enthusiasts is now undergoing a drastic reappraisal. Taurine, long a darling of the global biohacker community and increasingly popular among health-conscious Thais, appears to be much less effective as an anti-aging elixir than early studies suggested, according to several recent authoritative studies and expert opinions (Nature, LiveScience, STAT News, NY Post). In a scientific reversal, longitudinal data reveals taurine levels actually remain stable, or even rise, as humans and research animals age, casting doubt on its use as a universal biomarker for aging and on the wisdom of supplement-fueled anti-aging regimes.

A major international study shows that consuming sugar-laden drinks—such as sodas and fruit juices—may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes more sharply than sugar from foods. The research, led by a team at Brigham Young University with German collaborators, analyzed health data from more than half a million people across several continents. The findings carry meaningful implications for Thailand, where sweet drinks are deeply embedded in daily life and diabetes rates are climbing.

A groundbreaking international study has revealed that drinking sugar-laden beverages—such as sodas and fruit juices—may sharply increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, more so than consuming sugar through foods. Conducted by a team led by researchers at Brigham Young University in the United States, with collaboration from German partners, the research analyzed health data from over half a million people across multiple continents. The findings carry major implications for public health in Thailand, where sweet drinks are woven into daily routines and the rate of diabetes continues to climb.

A supplement once celebrated by biohackers and wellness enthusiasts is facing a rigorous re-examination. Taurine, a naturally occurring amino acid widely used in energy drinks and dietary supplements, may be far less effective as an anti-aging tool than early studies suggested. Recent research and expert commentary indicate taurine levels do not consistently decline with age, challenging its role as a universal biomarker for aging or as a reliable longevity strategy.

A large new study challenges the idea that eating fewer calories automatically benefits mental health. The research, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, analyzed data from more than 28,000 adults and found that those on calorie-restricted diets—especially men and people who are overweight—reported higher depressive symptoms than those not on such diets. This finding is based on data from multiple national health surveys and national nutrition programs.

Lead author, a psychiatrist and clinician-researcher at a renowned Toronto hospital and its university, urges caution with overly restrictive eating plans. He notes that balanced, sustainable dietary changes that meet nutritional needs and account for psychological well-being may help minimize mood-related risks.

A major new study has cast doubt on the widely held belief that calorie restriction is inherently beneficial for mental health, with fresh evidence suggesting that cutting calories too far may actually increase the risk of depressive symptoms. The research, published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, analyzed data from over 28,000 adults and found that individuals following calorie-restricted diets—especially men and those who are overweight—were more likely to report heightened symptoms of depression compared to those not on such diets (CNN, BMJ Nutrition).

As a dizzying array of supplements floods Thailand’s fitness stores and online markets—ranging from protein powders and amino acids to the ever-popular creatine—a new wave of research-based guidance from international sports nutritionists is helping Thai consumers cut through marketing hype. Recent expert reviews, highlighted in a widely-cited Women’s Health Magazine article, distil which performance supplements really deliver on their promises, and which may be a waste of baht for most people pursuing fitness and health.

A growing body of research is challenging the controversial reputation of omega-6 fatty acids, suggesting that a diet rich in linoleic acid — the main omega-6 found in nuts and vegetable oils — may substantially lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These findings signal important implications for Thai health, where heart disease and diabetes are among the leading causes of illness and death.

Cardiometabolic health, or the collective well-being of the heart, blood vessels, and metabolic systems, is a crucial marker of long-term health outcomes. In Thailand, the dual threats of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes profoundly impact communities, families, and the nation’s economy. Traditional Thai diets, once centred on fresh produce, fish, rice, and moderate use of oils, are rapidly converging with global food trends — bringing concerns over the increased consumption of processed foods and changing fat profiles. Against this backdrop, understanding the impact of dietary fats on health is especially relevant for Thai readers seeking guidance in a sea of conflicting nutrition advice.

New research suggests that linoleic acid, the main omega-6 fatty acid found in nuts and vegetable oils, could be linked to lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This challenges the idea that omega-6 fats are harmful and has clear implications for Thailand, where heart disease and diabetes are major health concerns.

Healthy cardiometabolic health — the well-being of the heart, blood vessels, and metabolism — matters for long-term outcomes. In Thailand, cardiovascular disease and diabetes place a heavy burden on families and the economy. Traditional Thai eating patterns emphasize fresh produce, fish, rice, and moderate oil use, but global dietary trends are pushing more processed foods and different fat profiles into everyday meals. Understanding fats’ impact is highly relevant for Thai readers navigating conflicting nutrition advice.

A surge of fitness supplements—protein powders, amino acids, and creatine—fills Thai stores and online shops. New, research-based guidance from international sports nutritionists helps cut through marketing hype for Thai consumers. A widely cited Women’s Health Magazine piece distills which supplements deliver real results and which may be a waste of money for most people pursuing fitness and health.

Thailand’s supplement market is growing, with sport and fitness products projected to expand by more than 7% annually. As awareness of muscle health, recovery, and youthful longevity rises—from Bangkok’s gym crowds to Chiang Mai’s amateur athletes—people seek convenient options to support their goals. A careful review of the latest evidence can help Thai readers make informed, budget-conscious choices aligned with science and local culture.

Vitamin patches have emerged as a convenient, stylish alternative to daily pills. For Thai health enthusiasts, they promise easy nutrient delivery through the skin. Yet experts say the evidence supporting their effectiveness, relative to traditional oral vitamins, remains unclear. This raises practical questions for those seeking reliable nutrition support.

Patches work by sticking a vitamin-infused layer to the skin, often on the inner wrist or behind the ear. The idea is that nutrients pass into the bloodstream without a digestive journey. Marketers tout ease of use and pill-free convenience. However, medical professionals warn that the skin’s primary job is to act as a barrier. While certain substances can momentarily increase skin permeability, this does not guarantee meaningful vitamin absorption. In any case, most vitamins face challenges crossing the skin into systemic circulation, according to insights from internal medicine specialists cited in recent health coverage.

As health-conscious consumers around the world seek more convenient and stylish alternatives to daily vitamin pills, “vitamin patches” have emerged as a trendy option promising to deliver essential nutrients through the skin. Yet despite their rising popularity, the latest research and expert opinions highlight that the effectiveness of these chic “sticker vitamins” compared to traditional oral supplements remains in question, raising important considerations for Thai health enthusiasts seeking new ways to support wellbeing.

A widely held belief suggests that eating fish can lead to faster, thicker hair growth—but what does science really say about this claim? Recent discussion, as highlighted in an article by The Times of India, puts this myth under the microscope and examines whether including fish in the Thai diet directly results in healthier hair.

For generations, the idea that fish promotes hair growth has held strong cultural appeal in Thailand and across Asia, where diets often feature seafood and fresh-water fish. The basis for this belief stems from the nutrient profile of fish, which are rich sources of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. These nutrients have recognized benefits for overall health, and hair—a protein-based structure—certainly depends on diet for its strength and vitality. According to Harvard Health, deficiencies in key nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, and omega-3s have been linked with hair thinning and loss.

A popular belief holds that eating fish can speed up hair growth and make hair thicker. But what does science actually say? This debate has resurfaced as media outlets question whether fish in a Thai diet directly improves hair health.

In Thailand and much of Asia, seafood is a dietary staple. The nutrition behind this belief lies in fish’s high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. Hair growth relies on protein and overall health, so it makes sense to consider diet. Data from respected health resources show that deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and omega-3s can contribute to thinning hair.

A new peer-reviewed study suggests that soluble fibre from oats may assist the body in expelling PFAS, the so-called forever chemicals. The finding provides a hopeful avenue for communities in Thailand and beyond concerned about persistent environmental pollutants. The study, published in Environmental Health on June 4, 2025, marks a cautious advance in reducing PFAS in humans.

PFAS are synthetic compounds used worldwide in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging, waterproof clothing, and cosmetics. Their durability makes them highly resistant to heat, oil, and water, but it also means they linger in the environment and in the human body for years. Research links PFAS exposure to cancers, fertility issues, developmental problems in children, thyroid disease, and immune system effects. In Thailand, concerns have grown as reports indicate PFAS contamination in drinking water, textiles, and household items, underscoring the need for protective public health measures.

A recent scientific breakthrough has found that a simple dietary supplement—soluble fibre from oats—may help the human body flush out toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. This offers a glimmer of hope to communities in Thailand and around the world concerned about the health hazards of persistent environmental pollutants. The peer-reviewed study, published in Environmental Health on 4 June 2025, marks a significant step forward in the battle against chemicals that have long defied removal from our bodies. Read more on The Independent.

A quiet nutritional crisis is taking hold in Thailand and around the world: most people are not meeting the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber. While protein bars dominate social feeds and store shelves, science shows that insufficient fiber affects digestion, chronic disease risk, gut health, and metabolic balance. Recent analyses suggest up to 95% of people fall short of their fiber targets, a concern echoed by major nutrition reviews and studies relevant to Thai populations.

In a world fixated on protein-packed diets, a quiet nutritional crisis has taken root—in Thailand and globally—as new research warns that most people are not consuming nearly enough dietary fiber. While social media influencers and food manufacturers tout protein bars and shakes, scientific evidence now shows that fiber deficiency is a far more widespread and serious issue, with implications for digestion, chronic disease risk, gut health, and even metabolic balance. In fact, up to 95% of people may be missing the mark on their recommended daily intake, according to recent coverage in Vogue and reinforced by large-scale studies relevant to the Thai population.

New global findings challenge the idea that more protein always means better health. Experts warn that consuming protein well above need—especially from animal sources—may carry hidden risks over the long term. While protein supports muscle and metabolism, staying within recommended levels is increasingly advised to avoid potential downsides. In Thailand, rising urban diets now feature more protein-enriched products and meat-heavy dishes as people pursue fitness and wellness.

Research by leading nutrition scientists highlights that excess protein intake, particularly from red meat and dairy, can elevate insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 supports growth and muscle repair in youth, but higher levels in adults have been linked to accelerated aging and higher risks of certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The central message from recent experts is that promoting muscle gain at the expense of cellular repair may raise DNA mutation risks and chronic disease. This has prompted talk of a “diabetes of protein” in some circles.

Recent global research is challenging prevailing beliefs about high-protein diets, with experts increasingly cautioning that consuming more protein than needed—especially from animal sources—may do more harm than good for long-term health. While protein is essential for muscle maintenance, metabolism, and disease prevention, the latest studies and dietary guidelines urge consumers to stay within recommended intake levels to avoid hidden pitfalls. This news comes amid shifting food cultures in Thailand, where more urban Thais are turning to protein-enriched products and meat-heavy dishes in the hope of boosting health and fitness.

A new study from Boston University suggests beta-glucan fiber supplements may help reduce certain PFAS, the so‑called “forever chemicals,” in the blood. In four weeks, participants taking oat-based beta-glucan before meals showed an average eight percent drop in PFAS levels, especially the long-chain varieties linked to cancer and other health issues. The finding is generating interest for health systems worldwide, including in Thailand, where PFAS exposure is a growing concern.

A new study is making headlines across the global health community: vitamin D supplementation may actually help slow biological aging, according to recently published findings that could have far-reaching implications for how Thais approach preventive health. The research, published in late September 2024, investigated whether vitamin D—commonly known for its role in bone health and immune function—can safeguard the body from a fundamental mechanism of cellular aging, offering hope to millions looking for ways to live healthier, longer lives (Everyday Health).

As healthy living becomes a priority in Thailand, protein shakes, grilled chicken, and high-protein snacks fill supermarket shelves. Yet new research urges caution about excess protein intake, especially from animal sources. Experts warn that more protein is not always better and emphasize nuanced guidance for different ages and lifestyles.

Protein remains essential for muscle maintenance and many body functions. However, consuming too much—particularly from red meat, eggs, and dairy—can raise insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone linked to cell growth. Elevated IGF-1 has been associated with accelerated aging and heightened risk for several conditions, including certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. For many adults, the potential downsides may outweigh short-term fitness gains.

A new breakthrough by researchers at Boston University is offering hope in the fight against dangerous “forever chemicals”—formally known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—that have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues. According to the latest studies, taking beta-glucan fiber supplements, specifically three times daily, can decrease the concentration of these harmful chemicals in the blood by up to eight percent over four weeks, marking a significant development for global and Thai public health alike (GB News, The Guardian).