#DietarySupplements

For millions across Thailand, the comforting aroma of morning coffee is more than a daily habit—it’s a cherished tradition. But new research and expert guidance suggest that this beloved brew may quietly undermine the benefits of common dietary supplements if consumed together, raising important health considerations for Thais increasingly focused on wellness.

Coffee, long celebrated for its energizing kick and social role in Thai culture, contains components such as caffeine, polyphenols, and compounds responsible for its mild diuretic effect. According to recent pharmacist commentary and studies in prominent health publications, these ingredients can interfere with the way our bodies absorb key nutrients—a concern especially relevant as Thailand sees rising supplement consumption in an effort to improve immunity, energy levels, and bone health (eatingwell.com). Understanding the interplay between coffee and dietary supplements is vital to ensure these health investments are not unintentionally wasted.

Collagen supplements — powders and tablets made from the processed skin, bones, and connective tissues of cows or fish — have become a global sensation, embraced by athletes for joint health and by beauty enthusiasts hoping for youthful skin and shiny hair. But does the latest research support the promises splashed across glossy packaging? A swath of new studies and expert analyses suggest the answers are nuanced, with some modest benefits but many marketing exaggerations, especially for the Thai public seeking reliable health advice.

The collagen supplement phenomenon has captivated Thai consumers with promises of eternal youth and perfect skin, transforming a protein derivative from animal bones and connective tissues into the kingdom’s most sought-after beauty and wellness product. From gleaming Bangkok shopping malls to rural pharmacies, collagen powders and pills promise miraculous transformations that tap into deeply held Thai cultural values about appearance, health, and graceful aging—but groundbreaking new research reveals a complex truth that challenges both marketing claims and consumer expectations.

A growing body of evidence suggests that persistent fatigue—not just momentary tiredness—may be the most prominent sign adults aren’t getting enough magnesium, a mineral vital to energy production, heart health, and overall well-being, according to leading nutrition researchers. While true magnesium deficiency is considered rare, up to 48% of people may be getting insufficient amounts for optimal health due to dietary shortfalls, with important implications for Thailand’s aging population, dietary trends, and healthcare landscape.

A new wave of protein supplement use among teenagers is sweeping across the globe and reaching Thailand, with social media influencers, coaches, and even some parents fueling the belief that more protein equals more muscle and better health. While protein shakes, bars, and powders are easily found in Thai supermarkets and convenience stores, new research and expert opinion warn that excessive and unsupervised use of these supplements may carry concerning health risks—especially among youths chasing rapid results.

A major new meta-analysis led by University of Pennsylvania researchers has found that taking omega-3 supplements—commonly available in fish oil capsules—can reduce aggressive behavior by up to 28%, offering a potentially simple, affordable, and safe way to address a key public health challenge. The study, synthesizing almost three decades of international research, is the strongest evidence yet supporting nutritional intervention to reduce aggression among people of all ages and backgrounds (ScienceAlert; Penn Today).

Across the globe, an increasing number of teenagers are turning to protein supplements as they strive to build muscle and achieve the body ideals promoted on social media. Recent research from the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital has brought this trend into sharp focus, revealing that approximately 40% of teens consumed some form of protein supplement in the past year. This surge in popularity—echoed from the United States to Europe, and increasingly within Asian contexts—raises important questions for Thai parents, educators, and health professionals as social media-driven fitness trends reach new heights in the Kingdom.

Dietary supplements have become an omnipresent feature of modern wellness culture, with shelves in drugstores, supermarkets, and online platforms crowded by an ever-expanding array of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and herbal extracts. While the United States remains a major hub of the supplement industry, this rapid growth is mirrored in Thailand, where the sector has seen unprecedented expansion over the past decade. This news report investigates the forces powering the supplement surge, the health realities behind the claims, and what these trends mean for Thai consumers, health regulators, and policymakers.

A growing number of Thais and health-conscious individuals worldwide are investing in dietary supplements marketed for gut health, seeking promises of improved digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. However, recent research and expert advice suggest that many popular gut health supplements may not provide the benefits they claim—and, in some cases, could even be harmful. According to registered dietitians featured in a June 2025 analysis by EatingWell, widely consumed products such as over-the-counter probiotics, greens powders, digestive enzymes, and antacids should generally be approached with caution—or skipped altogether—in favor of a wholesome, fiber-rich diet and lifestyle changes (EatingWell).

A naturally occurring compound, spermidine, is emerging as a powerful ally in the quest for a longer and healthier life, with recent research and expert opinions highlighting its potential benefits for the brain, heart, immune system, and even hair growth. Described as the “Swiss army knife of longevity” by leading figures in wellness research, spermidine’s allure comes from both scientific evidence and its availability in a range of foods that are familiar to Thai households.

A surge in health-conscious supplement use has brought a renewed warning about vitamin B6 toxicity, as fresh research and regulatory concern reveal that excessive intake may be harming more people than previously recognized. Australia’s medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), recently admitted it may have underestimated the scope of vitamin B6 side effects—especially nerve damage linked to prolonged high-dose use—prompting the body to reconsider how this over-the-counter supplement is sold (The Conversation).

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.

As hypertension, or high blood pressure, remains a major risk factor for strokes, heart attacks, and other life-altering conditions, medical experts are urging those living with hypertension to pay closer attention not just to diet and lifestyle, but also to the supplements they might be taking. A new analysis published by nutrition and cardiology professionals highlights five common supplements—bitter orange, licorice root, caffeine-containing products, yohimbine, and ephedra—that could spell danger for individuals struggling to keep their blood pressure under control, a finding especially important to Thailand where herbal remedies are deeply ingrained in the culture (EatingWell).

A fresh wave of research into collagen supplements has sparked considerable debate, questioning the true benefits these products offer for skin and joint health. With Thais increasingly turning to collagen powders, capsules, and drinks promising firmer skin and pain-free movement, the latest evidence raises important questions about whether these popular supplements deliver on their bold claims—or if they’re just another fleeting consumer trend.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, forming a crucial structure for our skin, bones, and joints. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to wrinkles, loose skin, and joint discomfort—ailments that many Thai people, especially those over 40, are eager to combat. It’s common to see collagen products on pharmacy shelves across Thailand, from Bangkok malls to local markets. But does popping a collagen capsule or sipping a strawberry-flavored collagen drink actually slow the aging process or ease joint pain?

A supplement derived from cantaloupe melon and wheat protein—little-known to most Thai consumers—has been making waves among international health experts, promising a host of benefits from heart disease prevention to slowing down skin aging and even aiding cancer therapies. New claims about this antioxidant supplement, called GliSODin, have surfaced in a widely circulated article in the New York Post, as well as in emerging research across Europe, North America, and Asia. But can this “wonder supplement” live up to the hype, and what does the evidence mean for Thai health seekers?

Lipozem, a dietary supplement that claims to deliver quick, natural weight loss and a host of metabolic benefits, is making waves in 2025. Promoted as an all-natural, plant-based solution equipped with the “strange hack” of morning ketosis, Lipozem promises to curb cravings, boost metabolism, improve digestion, and even reduce symptoms of depression—without extreme dieting or excessive exercise. But with a flood of glowing testimonials and soaring sales spurred by aggressive online marketing, Thai consumers face a familiar dilemma: is Lipozem really as effective and safe as it claims, or is it yet another weight loss fad with questionable scientific backing?

A new dietary supplement, Lipozem, has made waves internationally as an all-natural weight loss aid boasting multiple health benefits, from boosting metabolism to improving heart health. Marketed as a plant-based, science-backed alternative and claiming to help users burn stubborn fat without extreme diet or exercise, Lipozem has drawn considerable attention among Thai consumers and health enthusiasts amid rising interest in wellness products worldwide. As Thais face growing health challenges related to obesity and chronic diseases, is Lipozem truly the game-changer its proponents claim—or just more marketing magic?

A recent wave of scrutiny has descended upon PrimeBiome, a widely advertised probiotic supplement, as an in-depth investigation gathered and tested over 2,000 user reviews in 2025 to shed light on consumer complaints and actual efficacy. The findings, published in a GlobeNewswire feature PrimeBiome Complaints Investigated: 2025 User Reviews Tested & Verified, are resonating across global health circles, sparking renewed discussion about supplement standards, user expectations, and the science behind probiotics—a topic of increasing importance in Thailand’s expanding wellness market.

As probiotics continue to line the shelves of Bangkok supermarkets and pharmacies, more Thai consumers—สุขภาพดีอยู่แล้ว—are asking: should I be adding these “good bacteria” to my daily routine, or is a fibre-rich ผักและผลไม้ diet enough for a healthy gut? The newest research, including a comprehensive 2024 review in Advances in Nutrition, brings clarity to the probiotic puzzle, offering practical advice amidst the booming global wellness trend.

For Thailand, where fermented foods like น้ำพริก, เต้าเจี้ยว, and yogurt-based drinks are everyday staples, the appeal of packaged probiotics is both a product of globalization and increased health consciousness. Advertisements promise improved digestion, better immunity, enhanced mood, and even weight management, but what does the science say about real benefits for already healthy people? And how does this apply to the Thai lifestyle, richly intertwined with traditional diets and home remedies?

A groundbreaking study has found that drinking Montmorency tart cherry juice daily can reduce gut inflammation by as much as 40% in patients with ulcerative colitis—a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. This discovery, led by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire and University of Hertfordshire, comes as hopeful news for millions suffering from debilitating digestive conditions worldwide. For Thais coping with similar problems, the findings offer a promising, natural supplement strategy to improve quality of life alongside standard medical care (source).

In a compelling case that underscores the potential hazards of unregulated dietary supplements, Jenny Ramirez, a Texas resident, suffered liver failure seemingly linked to over-the-counter vitamins intended for hair, skin, and nail health. Her story has sparked a conversation about the safety of these supplements, highlighting issues that are relevant not only in the United States but also in Thailand and globally.

Jenny, from Fort Worth, Texas, embarked on a remarkable weight loss journey but faced unexpected challenges, including hair loss. To counteract this, she began taking a vitamin supplement advertised to enhance hair, skin, and nail health. Unfortunately, she soon noticed yellowing of her skin and eyes - a sign of liver distress. Medical tests revealed liver failure, which her doctor attributed to methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a common ingredient in her supplements. Although MSM is generally considered safe and even beneficial, in some individuals — particularly those with pre-existing liver conditions — it can have adverse effects.

A recent study has shed light on the potential of a common supplement in extending life expectancy. The research highlights the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of “healthy fat” commonly found in fish oil, suggesting it can help slow down biological aging and improve longevity. This discovery builds on the existing knowledge of omega-3 fatty acids’ positive effects on brain and heart health, now indicating a broader influence on overall aging.

In a dramatic turn of events, a Texas mother, Jenny Ramirez, found herself facing a severe health crisis after using a common over-the-counter vitamin intended to enhance her hair, skin, and nail health. This alarming incident sheds light on potential risks associated with dietary supplements, which are often perceived as benign and beneficial. As Ms. Ramirez’s story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant oversight and informed choices regarding dietary supplements.

Scrolling through TikTok, viewers are often bombarded with compelling pitches from creators urging them to buy the latest dietary supplements. However, the concerning trend arises from the fact that many of these influencers lack any nutritional or medical background, raising red flags among health experts. As the global fascination with vitamins and supplements grows, nutritionists urge the public to exercise caution due to potential misinformation and health risks tied to influencer-driven trends.