#Healthsupplements

For many Thais, digestive discomfort is a familiar but unwelcome part of life, often going undiscussed despite its frequent impact on daily well-being. Recent research and expert perspectives are shining new light on five key supplements that may help to relieve constipation, a condition that is common across Asia as it is in the West. A new interview with a leading US gastroenterologist and research findings published in 2024 provide timely, science-backed guidance for Thais considering supplement options, and reveal which strategies are best supported by evidence in both international and Asian contexts.

A global review of 64 over-the-counter and natural remedies for depression finds only a few with solid evidence of benefit. Published in 2025, the study urges caution against aggressive marketing of supplements and provides guidance for Thai consumers and healthcare professionals seeking safe, accessible options.

Depression affects people worldwide, including Thailand, where symptoms surged after the COVID-19 era and amid ongoing economic pressures. In Thai communities, mental health stigma still leads many to try herbs or traditional medicines instead of seeking professional care. Data from international research underscore the need for reliable information on effective treatments.

A sweeping new scientific review analyzing 64 commonly used natural and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for depression has revealed that just a few have real evidence backing their effectiveness, raising important questions for both Thai consumers and healthcare professionals seeking safe, accessible options for managing mental health. The findings, published in 2025 and featured on Science Daily, challenge widespread assumptions about the power of widely sold supplements and herbs, highlighting which products may truly help—and which may offer nothing more than hope in a bottle.

A new study suggests betaine, a natural compound found in foods like beets, leafy greens, and whole grains, could mimic some benefits of exercise. Researchers say betaine may help reduce chronic inflammation and slow tissue ageing, offering a complementary approach to healthy ageing. The study notes that exercise naturally raises body betaine levels, while supplements might replicate some exercise benefits. This could be meaningful for people who cannot engage in regular physical activity due to mobility or health constraints.

In a landmark study that could reshape approaches to healthy ageing, researchers have identified a natural supplement, betaine, that mimics the benefits of exercise—including reduced inflammation and slowed tissue ageing. This finding, recently published in the scientific journal Cell and widely reported in international media, has the potential to revolutionize the fight against age-related diseases and extend human healthspan, particularly for those unable to maintain regular physical activity (gbnews.com, medicalxpress.com, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, nmn.com).

A collaborative team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Capital Medical University in Beijing conducted an in-depth analysis revealing that betaine, a compound found naturally in foods such as beetroot, spinach, and whole grains, interacts with key molecular pathways involved in inflammation and cellular ageing. Crucially, regular exercise was found to increase levels of betaine in the body—but new evidence now shows that taking betaine as a supplement can trigger similar anti-ageing effects, offering hope to those unable to exercise regularly due to physical limitations or chronic illness.

Black Seed Oil, pressed from the tiny seeds of Nigella sativa, is one of the world’s oldest herbal medicines—a botanical elixir bridging centuries of healing wisdom and the quest for scientific validation. From Middle Eastern souks to Southeast Asian spice markets, this aromatic oil has found its way into both kitchen cabinets and medicine chests, championed for its powerful curative properties in traditional systems of medicine. Today, as global interest in natural health solutions surges, Black Seed Oil is experiencing a renaissance—inviting a closer look at whether ancient claims can withstand the scrutiny of modern research (Healthline).

Black Seed Oil comes from Nigella sativa seeds and is among the world’s oldest healing remedies. Once found in Middle Eastern markets and Southeast Asian spice shops, it now appears in Thai kitchens and clinics as interest in natural health grows. Recent reviews suggest some benefits may be supported by science, while others remain promising but unproven, inviting a careful, evidence-based look for Thai consumers.

Nigella sativa, also called black cumin or kalonji, is native to arid regions of Western Asia and North Africa and is now grown widely from the Mediterranean to Myanmar. In many traditions—Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and South Asian—its small black seeds have long been revered as a versatile remedy. The phrase “black seed is a remedy for every disease except death” echoes in both spiritual and folk healing practices across Muslim communities, Ayurveda, Unani, and Thai traditional medicine. In Thailand, herbalists acknowledge its potential, weaving botanical healing with cultural beliefs.

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.

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.

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.

As Thai consumers increasingly reach for probiotic supplements in the pursuit of gut health and general wellness, a wave of new international research is challenging the value of these products—and warning of potential risks for some individuals. The probiotic market, which ballooned to an estimated US$87.7 billion (about 3 trillion baht) globally in 2023, is projected to be worth even more in Asia, with Thailand among the countries seeing swift growth in sales at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online shops. But according to a recent investigation spotlighted by Fortune, many probiotic supplements may not offer meaningful health benefits, and under certain circumstances, they could even backfire for the consumer (fortune.com; msn.com).

As Thai consumers increasingly reach for probiotic supplements in pursuit of gut health, fresh international research is raising questions about their value and possible risks. The global probiotic market reached an estimated $87.7 billion in 2023 and is growing fast in Asia, including Thailand, where shelf time at pharmacies, supermarkets, and online platforms is expanding. Yet a recent Fortune investigation suggests many probiotic products may offer limited benefits and could pose risks for some individuals.

Psyllium husk—known for its ability to transform into a gel after contact with water—has gained increasing popularity among health-conscious consumers in Thailand and beyond. Sourced from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, this gentle bulk-forming fiber is frequently touted as a remedy for constipation, blood sugar control, weight management, and even heart health. But as trendy as it may seem, understanding both its benefits and drawbacks is essential for anyone considering its use, especially within Thailand’s unique dietary and cultural context.

Recent guidance from global health authorities warns that some medicines and dietary supplements can lower the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. For Thai readers, understanding these interactions is essential as access to medicines and over-the-counter products expands nationwide.

Hormonal birth control—pills, patches, injections, or implants—remains a popular and reliable option for family planning in Thailand. Yet new evidence and official health warnings highlight several common substances that can diminish efficacy. Everyday medicines or herbal remedies bought at pharmacies, traditional vendors, or online can influence how well contraception works, making informed choices crucial for safe reproductive health.

Some common medicines and dietary supplements could reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, putting Thai women at unseen risk of unintended pregnancies, according to updated research and expert guidance from global health agencies. The expanding use of both pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter supplements in Thailand means understanding these interactions is more important than ever.

Hormonal contraceptives—whether pills, patches, injections, or implants—remain among the most popular choices for family planning in Thailand, recommended by healthcare providers for their convenience and high success rate. However, new evidence and official health warnings reveal that a handful of widely-used substances can lower the reliability of these contraceptives, sometimes drastically. For Thai readers, recognizing how everyday medicines or herbal remedies—often purchased at pharmacies, traditional medicine vendors, or online—can compromise birth control is crucial for informed, safe reproductive health choices.

As more individuals become health-conscious, the interest in probiotic supplements has surged, offering a potential solution for those looking to support their gut and heart health, among other benefits. In light of this growing trend, three respected dietitians have provided guidance on how to select the best probiotic supplements tailored to individual health needs, which may be particularly beneficial for Thai readers seeking to navigate the crowded supplement market.

Probiotics, often found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, are live bacteria that may offer a range of health advantages, such as improving gut barrier function and possibly lowering cholesterol. For those who do not regularly consume these foods, supplements present an alternative. However, choosing the right probiotic isn’t as straightforward as picking a brand off the shelf; it requires a deeper understanding of the strains and their specific benefits.

Recent insights from dietitians underscore the importance of timing when it comes to taking Vitamin B12 supplements for optimal absorption. This vital nutrient plays a crucial role in forming red blood cells, maintaining nerve function, and encoding genetic material. Despite its importance, approximately 12.5% of individuals aged 19 and older in the U.S. suffer from a B12 deficiency, a situation that is commonly observed in older adults, those adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets, and individuals with specific digestive disorders. To effectively harness the benefits of Vitamin B12, dietitians advise paying special attention to the timing of supplement intake.

A growing awareness of gut and heart health has propelled probiotic supplements into the spotlight. To help Thai readers navigate a crowded market, three respected dietitians share practical tips on selecting probiotics that fit individual health goals and daily routines.

Probiotics are live bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, and they may support gut barrier function and potentially influence cholesterol levels. For people who don’t eat these foods regularly, supplements offer a convenient alternative. Choosing the right probiotic, however, depends on understanding specific strains and their distinct benefits.

Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in red blood cell formation and genetic function. In the United States, about one in eight adults 19 and older are deficient, a statistic prompting attention among older adults, vegetarians, and people with digestive conditions. New guidance highlights that when you take B12 may affect how well it works. For Thai readers, this adds a practical angle to everyday health routines.

Research shows the body’s absorption of B12 can be influenced by timing. Experts recommend taking B12 in the morning, ideally before breakfast. A noted plant-based nutrition expert points out that absorption peaks roughly seven hours after intake, suggesting that a morning dose can help sustain benefits throughout the day. This approach is particularly relevant for those who rely on supplements to meet daily needs.

In an age where many health-conscious individuals seek ways to enhance nutrient intake, the role of vitamin B12 in maintaining vital bodily functions has never been more evident. With a staggering 12.5% of the U.S. population aged 19 or older deficient in this crucial vitamin, timely consumption of B12 is gaining attention, particularly among groups like older adults, vegetarians, and people with digestive disorders. Recent insights suggest that the time you take your B12 supplement can play a pivotal role in its efficacy, illuminating an often overlooked facet of nutritional science.

New guidance from dietitians highlights the importance of when you take Vitamin B12 for better absorption. This essential nutrient supports red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA coding. In the United States, about 12.5% of adults 19 and older have a B12 deficiency, particularly older adults, people on vegetarian or vegan diets, and those with certain digestive disorders. To maximize benefits, experts recommend careful attention to dosing time.

Vitamin B12 comes in several forms: cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, and adenosylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin is the most common and affordable, while methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are naturally active forms that the body uses readily. Hydroxocobalamin is often given by injection for severe deficiencies due to its longer presence in the bloodstream. Whether you choose oral supplements or injections depends on absorption needs and health conditions that affect uptake.

Vitamin D holds a vital role in our overall health, impacting everything from bone density to immune system efficiency. However, a significant portion of the global population, nearly 41%, continues to experience vitamin D insufficiency, which can lead to various health challenges. While sunlight naturally stimulates vitamin D production in the skin, experts are increasingly advocating for dietary supplementation as a safer and more reliable method to maintain optimal levels of this essential nutrient.

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Yet about 41% of people worldwide struggle with insufficient levels, a situation that raises health concerns. While sun exposure naturally sparks vitamin D production in the skin, many experts now advocate dietary supplements as a safer, more consistent way to maintain optimal levels, especially in modern urban settings.

For Thai readers, understanding vitamin D’s role is crucial. The nutrient acts as both a vitamin and a preprohormone that becomes an active hormone in the body. It supports thyroid function, gut microbiome balance, and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones. It also influences mood and skin health. However, relying solely on sun exposure can be unreliable and risky. Excessive UV exposure increases the likelihood of skin damage and skin cancer, especially in tropical climates where sun intensity varies.