Supplements are often viewed in Thailand as convenient boosters for health, promising better skin, stronger muscles, or a shield against illness. But new research and warnings compiled by international health authorities show that misusing these products—often unwittingly—can quietly damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, with consequences that may only become apparent after years of harm (Times of India). As dietary supplement use grows across Thailand—especially among urban consumers, fitness enthusiasts, and the elderly—it is essential for the public to understand the hidden risks behind the glossy marketing claims.
The appeal of dietary supplements is clear: in a fast-paced society, popping a pill is often seen as a shortcut to wellness. Products containing herbs like comfrey, kava, or high-dose green tea extracts, popular in Asian markets, are aggressively marketed as “natural” remedies. However, scientific reviews have increasingly linked these herbal supplements with liver toxicity. According to recent studies and a review by the US National Institutes of Health, green tea extracts in particular have been implicated in a growing number of liver injury cases, including among young and seemingly healthy users.
Thai regulatory agencies have also raised concerns about imported and locally-produced supplements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Thailand has issued warnings on products such as red yeast rice pills, which are often imported or sold online through unregulated channels. These can be especially dangerous for people with existing liver or kidney issues (The Nation). The Thai FDA’s Director of Health Product Surveillance and Control Division recently recommended that “individuals with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, fatty liver, or diabetes should avoid using unregulated supplements altogether unless advised by a doctor,” reinforcing global calls for stricter oversight and consumer education.
A major, often-overlooked risk comes from nutrient “stacking,” where individuals take several supplements with overlapping ingredients. Many popular multivitamins, immunity boosters, and hair growth products contain potent levels of vitamin A, iron, or selenium. Exceeding recommended levels—by combining several products or over-consuming single supplements—can lead to acute or chronic toxicity. High doses of vitamin A, for instance, are well documented to cause liver inflammation or fibrosis, while iron overload can accumulate in organs and damage both the liver and kidneys (Chulalongkorn Pharmacy News).
Protein supplementation is another trend with a dark side. In the wake of social media-fueled fitness trends, Thais are consuming more protein powders such as whey or casein. While protein is crucial, excess intake—especially among those with borderline kidney function—doubles the waste that kidneys must clear. Over time, this can accelerate chronic kidney disease. A national cross-sectional study published by Mahidol University noted that “many Thai youth and gym-goers exceed safe protein intake levels without medical consultation, placing themselves at unnecessary risk” (Mahidol University resource).
Many so-called “detox” and “weight-loss” supplements present another major hazard. Typically containing strong diuretics, stimulants, or laxatives—ingredients such as synephrine, caffeine anhydrous, or dandelion extract—these products can drastically alter kidney filtration, provoke dehydration, and induce dangerous electrolyte imbalances. Experts warn that “detox” or “cleanse” regimens can ironically impair natural detoxification by overloading, not cleansing, the liver and kidneys (NCBI Bookshelf; MDPI Open Access).
For those with chronic conditions—such as hypertension, diabetes, or fatty liver disease, which are increasingly prevalent in Thailand—the risks are amplified. Supplements like creatine, often used by bodybuilders, can accelerate kidney decline in those already at risk. High-dose vitamin D or calcium, if not matched with medical diagnostics, can cause kidney stones or chronic renal injury over time (Times of India). Public health authorities and clinical pharmacists from Thailand’s leading hospitals have repeatedly urged regular blood tests and medical advice before beginning any supplementation, yet public compliance remains low.
Thailand’s supplement landscape also presents unique regulatory and cultural challenges. According to a 2025 international survey, around half of the Thai public reported supplement use, but only a fraction were aware of potential adverse events—most commonly mild digestive issues, but occasionally more severe symptoms (NCBI Thailand study). Weak enforcement and widespread misinformation across Thai-language online marketplaces have contributed to confusion: a recent academic analysis found that misleading claims are common, and many young Thais purchase supplements without consulting licensed pharmacists (ResearchGate).
Historical context further underscores the need for caution. In 2004, the US FDA banned ephedra-containing supplements after reports of cardiovascular, neurological, and hepatic failure, yet similar products can still sometimes be found in Thai border towns or online stores. Traditional Thai herbal medicine, which has a rich but complex legacy, is sometimes integrated into supplement marketing, blurring the lines between evidence-based and anecdotal remedies.
Looking ahead, Thai health experts point to several urgent priorities. First, the FDA is stepping up random product sampling and online surveillance to catch dangerous or mislabeled supplements (US FDA product database). Second, medical schools and pharmacists are developing new guidelines for patient counseling and community outreach. Most importantly, experts from the Department of Medicine at a leading Bangkok hospital recommend that practitioners “include supplement histories in every patient’s check-up and provide plain-language education about stacking risks, especially among teenagers, athletes, and the elderly.”
To protect personal and family health, Thai consumers should adopt these practical strategies:
- Always consult a licensed medical professional before starting or combining supplements, particularly if you have any pre-existing liver, kidney, or metabolic conditions
- Read labels closely: avoid doubling up on vitamins/minerals by taking similar products simultaneously
- Limit use of herbal “detox” or weight-loss products not endorsed by the Thai FDA or not supported by clear clinical evidence
- For athletes, stay within recommended daily protein intake—generally 0.8–1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight for most people—and increase only under clinical supervision
- Report any unusual symptoms such as jaundice, persistent fatigue, or swelling to your doctor
- Stay informed about product recalls or safety alerts through official Thai FDA channels and trusted news outlets
Ultimately, health is not achieved through shortcuts. Supplements, when used thoughtfully and under professional guidance, may help fill nutritional gaps. But unregulated, excessive, or careless use can silently undermine the very organs they are supposed to protect. Public health needs—and every individual—will be best served by the age-old Thai value of moderation, applied with 21st-century knowledge.
Sources: Times of India, Chulalongkorn Pharmacy News, Mahidol University resource, NCBI Bookshelf, NCBI Thailand study, The Nation, ResearchGate, MDPI Open Access, US FDA product database