Nutrition

As Thais become increasingly health-conscious—and protein shakes, grilled chicken, and high-protein snacks dominate supermarket aisles—a new wave of research suggests that excess protein consumption may carry more dangers than benefits, contradicting popular trends and social media advice. Recent findings, highlighted by comments from longevity and nutrition experts, warn against overeating protein, especially from animal sources, and offer nuanced advice on the healthiest intake for different age groups (nypost.com).

The latest scientific insights indicate that while protein is crucial for muscle maintenance and basic biological functions, too much of it—particularly from red meat, eggs, and dairy—can significantly elevate levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone involved in cell growth and metabolism regulation. According to the chief executive of an international nutrition company, chronically elevated IGF-1 has been linked to accelerated aging and increased risk of serious diseases, including various cancers, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. For adults, the risks outweigh the short-term muscle gains often encouraged by fitness culture.

A major study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may slow biological aging, a finding capturing global attention and offering practical implications for preventive health in Thailand. Published in late September 2024, the research explored whether vitamin D—well known for bone and immune support—can protect against a core mechanism of cellular aging. The results raise the possibility of preserving healthspan for millions seeking longer, healthier lives.

This development comes as Thailand faces an increasingly aged population. Many families are eagerly seeking evidence-based lifestyle choices that support long-term wellness. The study’s claim that daily vitamin D could “save” the biological equivalent of about three years of aging resonates with Thai seniors, their families, and health providers who aim to slow the onset of chronic disease.

A new study published in Scientific Reports has revealed that creatine, a supplement widely known for enhancing athletic performance, could also offer a crucial cognitive boost for those recovering from a poor night’s sleep. This discovery points to a potentially game-changing strategy for people in Thailand and worldwide who struggle to stay sharp after inadequate rest, particularly in high-pressure work and educational settings where optimal brain function is critical (mindbodygreen.com).

A new study in Scientific Reports suggests creatine, long used to enhance athletic performance, may also support cognition after poor sleep. For Thai readers juggling work, study, and shifting schedules, this could be a practical option to stay sharp when rest is limited.

Across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other urban centers, sleep deprivation is a common challenge. Beyond fatigue, lack of sleep can slow memory, reduce processing speed, and impair decision making—issues that affect professionals, healthcare workers, and students in Thailand’s fast-paced economy and competitive campuses. While coffee remains a popular quick fix, the study points to creatine as a potential brain energy support after restless nights.

A new warning from Harvard-affiliated medical experts and recent research has raised urgent concerns over the safety of commercially available protein powders, drawing attention to potentially hazardous contaminants in products widely consumed by fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious Thais. According to reviews by researchers and reports by advocacy groups such as the Clean Label Project, many popular protein powders contain significant levels of heavy metals, plastic-derived chemicals, and other toxins—a finding that threatens to upend perceptions of these supplements as inherently “healthy” choices for those pursuing muscle gain or dietary supplementation [Harvard Health][LADbible].

A dramatic rise in cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) linked to herbal and dietary supplements in the United States is prompting renewed scrutiny of the global supplement industry—a warning that Thai consumers should heed as these products grow in popularity at home. Recent research referenced by NBC News highlights an eightfold increase in supplement-related liver transplants in the U.S. over the past 25 years, with experts cautioning that “natural” does not always equal safe (NBC News).

A surge in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) linked to herbal and dietary supplements in the United States is prompting renewed scrutiny of the global supplement industry. This trend matters for Thailand as wellness products gain popularity at home. Research cited by major outlets shows an eightfold increase in supplement-related liver transplants in the U.S. over 25 years, underscoring that “natural” does not always mean safe.

The implications are twofold. First, they challenge the assumption that herbal and dietary supplements are harmless. Second, they highlight health risks from products increasingly marketed in Thailand’s expanding wellness market. Many Thai consumers seek liver support, vitality, and overall wellness through turmeric capsules and herbal blends, making awareness of risks essential.

A warning from Harvard-affiliated medical experts and recent studies raise urgent questions about the safety of widely sold protein powders. The findings point to potential contaminants in many products favored by fitness enthusiasts, including Thais. Research and advocacy groups note heavy metals, plastic-related chemicals, and other toxins in several powders, challenging the assumption that these supplements are inherently healthy.

Protein powder is a staple for millions, including Thailand’s growing fitness community, where shakes are marketed as convenient, protein-rich options for muscle building and everyday nutrition. The supplement industry is valued at more than US$20 billion globally, with Thai gyms, health stores, and online shops offering a wide array of powders. Yet new warnings emphasize potential risks beyond convenience. A senior clinician at a Harvard-affiliated hospital cautioned that protein powders should be used only in specific circumstances and under supervision. The concerns focus on limited long-term safety data, possible digestive discomfort for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, and, most worryingly, contaminants linked to serious health effects.

A new study in Scientific Reports suggests that protein bars may not deliver the nutrition they promise, a finding that resonates with health-conscious readers across Thailand. The research highlights that “high protein” labeling does not always translate into effective protein absorption, especially for those who rely on bars for quick post-workout recovery or busy workdays.

Protein bars line shelves from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, marketed as a convenient way to boost protein intake. The global market for these snacks surpassed the $14 billion mark in 2023, a surge driven by fitness culture and changing work patterns. In Thailand, office life in districts like Sathorn and university campuses alike have popularized grabbing a bar between meetings or classes as a standard habit.

A new study published in Scientific Reports has cast doubt on the reputed health benefits of protein bars, products that are rapidly gaining popularity among health-conscious Thais and urban professionals worldwide. Despite their status as convenient snacks for those with busy lifestyles—or for gym-goers seeking quick post-workout protein—recent research shows that not all protein bars deliver the nutritional punch they advertise, and Thai consumers may want to take a closer look at what’s really inside these trendy bars.

Daily health supplements, consumed by millions worldwide in a bid for better health and vitality, can quietly put the liver and kidneys at considerable risk, according to recent coverage in the Times of India. As more Thais turn to over-the-counter vitamins, protein powders, and herbal capsules influenced by social media trends and wellness marketing, emerging research is raising red flags about their unregulated and excessive use. This news is particularly relevant in Thailand, where the supplement market has seen rapid expansion, with local surveys indicating nearly one in three urban adults take a supplement daily.

A major international study has discovered that the secret to aging healthily may lie not simply in eating fewer carbohydrates—but in prioritizing the right kinds of carbs, with dietary fiber and unrefined foods playing a pivotal role. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Network Open, are sending ripples through public health communities worldwide and offer practical insight for Thai households aiming to boost both longevity and quality of life (SciTechDaily).

A major international study finds that healthy aging hinges more on the quality of carbohydrates than on the total amount consumed. Emphasizing fiber-rich, minimally processed foods can lower the risk of chronic disease and cognitive decline later in life. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, offer practical guidance for Thai households aiming to improve longevity and daily well-being.

Midlife dietary choices shape health in old age. A research team from Tufts University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed data spanning more than three decades from over 47,000 women. They found that high-quality carbohydrates and fiber during midlife are strongly linked to healthier aging—defined as the absence of major chronic diseases, preserved mental and physical function, and stable mood.

Daily health supplements attract many in Thailand aiming for better vitality, but health experts warn they can stress the liver and kidneys when used excessively or without proper guidance. As Thais increasingly turn to over-the-counter vitamins, protein powders, and herbal capsules influenced by social media, researchers are calling for caution and clearer guidance. Thailand’s supplement market has expanded rapidly, with local surveys showing about one in three urban adults takes a supplement daily.

A groundbreaking new study has found that taking vitamin D supplements can slow the biological aging process by up to three years, raising fresh hopes for simple strategies to extend healthy lifespan. The research, led by a team from institutions affiliated with Harvard University and the Medical College of Georgia, is the first large-scale, long-term clinical trial to confirm that vitamin D supplementation helps preserve telomere length—tiny protective caps on our chromosomes that naturally erode over time and are considered a key marker of aging risk (Harvard Gazette).

A large, long-term trial suggests that daily vitamin D3 supplementation could slow biological aging by up to three years. The study tracked more than 1,000 adults for up to five years, comparing 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily with a placebo. A subset also received omega-3s. Researchers found less telomere shortening—the “caps” on chromosomes that indicate aging risk—among those taking vitamin D, implying a slower aging process. Omega-3s did not show a significant effect on telomere length in this trial.

A new wave of research highlights a troubling trend: more people turning to herbal and dietary supplements for perceived health benefits, and an alarming rise in severe liver injury and liver failure linked to these products. Health professionals warn that “natural” does not always mean safe, especially for the liver, the body’s key detox engine.

The trend mirrors a global shift toward wellness, including in Thailand, where fitness routines, organic diets, and vitamin and herbal remedies are increasingly common. Brands promise longer life, weight loss, or stronger immunity. Yet experts warn these products can harm health rather than help, a concern echoed by recent studies in the United States that may have global implications, including Southeast Asia.

A recent wave of research has spotlighted a troubling trend: as more people embrace herbal and dietary supplements for perceived health benefits, cases of severe liver injury and even liver failure connected to these products are climbing at an alarming rate. This trend comes as health experts caution that supplements, frequently advertised as safe and “natural,” can in fact carry significant health risks—particularly to the liver, the body’s vital organ for filtering toxins.

A growing number of people seek to boost protein for health or fitness while managing or recovering from eating disorders. This delicate balance is increasingly discussed in research and support networks. The issue is especially relevant for Thai readers navigating nutritional goals alongside mental well-being.

As health-conscious living and gym culture gain traction in Thailand, many pursue higher-protein diets for muscle gain, weight management, or vitality. For individuals with a history of eating disorders, focusing on macronutrients—especially protein—can rekindle unhealthy patterns. In Thailand’s social dining culture, where shared meals and beauty norms intersect with Western wellness trends, careful guidance is essential.

A daily mug of black coffee may do more than wake you up. New studies from 2024 and 2025 suggest that enjoying coffee in moderation—without sugar or cream—can support longevity, heart health, brain function, and overall disease resistance. As Thailand blends its own coffee traditions with global trends, these findings matter for local health conversations and everyday coffee lovers alike.

Recent research indicates that black coffee is generally safe for most adults and may offer meaningful health advantages. A comprehensive Mayo Clinic review links three to four cups per day with a lower risk of stroke and potential protection against certain oral and throat cancers. Data from Harvard’s Nutrition Source also point to boosted antioxidant responses and reduced inflammation—key factors in cancer prevention and healthy aging.

A growing number of individuals worldwide are seeking ways to increase their protein intake for health or fitness reasons, while simultaneously managing or recovering from eating disorders—a deeply personal struggle that is now gaining attention in research and support communities. The challenges highlighted in a recent feature by Autostraddle, titled ‘I Want To Eat More Protein Without Triggering My ED’, reflect broader issues relevant to Thai readers and health seekers who navigate the balance between nutritional goals and mental well-being.

Drinking black coffee—a simple ritual for millions—may be doing far more for your health than just kickstarting your morning, according to a wave of recent research studies. With new findings surfacing throughout 2024 and 2025, scientists are revealing how this traditional beverage, when consumed in moderation and without added sugars or cream, can boost longevity, safeguard the heart, sharpen the mind, and help defend the body against a range of diseases. As Thais increasingly embrace international coffee culture alongside their own rich traditions, these benefits are of keen interest to local health experts and everyday coffee lovers alike.

A recent landmark study suggests that taking a daily vitamin D supplement could slow down biological aging, potentially adding healthy years to life. The findings, emerging from a major randomized controlled clinical trial led by prominent medical institutions in the United States, reveal vitamin D’s significant role in preserving telomere length—a crucial marker of biological age and an indicator connected with the development of chronic age-related diseases. As the aging population continues to surge globally and especially in Thailand, this breakthrough carries enormous implications for public health and personal wellness in the Kingdom.

A new large study suggests that a daily vitamin D supplement could slow biological aging, potentially adding healthy years to life. The trial tracked adults over several years and found that vitamin D helped preserve telomere length — protective caps at chromosome ends that shorten with age — a sign of aging at the cellular level. The finding could have meaningful implications for public health in Thailand, where an aging population is rising steadily.