#Supplements

A new wave of research is shining light on the effects of vitamin D supplements on blood pressure, sparking hope among those tackling hypertension—a condition affecting one in four Thai adults. While vitamin D has long been praised for its benefits to bone health, immunity, and muscle function, questions about its potential to lower blood pressure are now coming to the fore. Recent findings suggest a nuanced reality: vitamin D’s impact on blood pressure largely depends on specific individual health factors, especially vitamin D status and existing blood pressure levels.

A new wave of scientific investigations suggests that routinely taking daily vitamin supplements may not be as essential as once believed, challenging the long-standing perception that multivitamins are crucial for maintaining overall health. The discussion gained renewed attention following a recent episode of CNN’s ‘Chasing Life’ podcast, which explored the mounting evidence around vitamin supplementation and its actual impact on health outcomes for most people (cnn.com).

Thais, like people everywhere, have been long encouraged to take daily vitamins as part of a “preventive” wellness routine. In Bangkok, pharmacies and convenience stores prominently display multivitamin products, reflecting widespread cultural trust in supplements. Many parents give their children chewable vitamins, while health-conscious office workers add “multi-vits” to their daily routines, especially during the rainy season or pandemic scares. But the latest research is questioning whether this global — and intensely local — supplement habit is either necessary or effective.

Should Thai health enthusiasts reconsider their daily fish oil supplements in favour of krill oil? The question has sparked debate as both products compete for attention in the growing wellness market. Recent research and expert opinion highlight significant similarities and key differences between these two omega-3 powerhouses, leaving many to ponder their best choice for heart, brain, and overall health Verywell Health.

For years, fish oil has been the most popular source of omega-3 fatty acids, hailed for helping to prevent and manage heart disease, high blood pressure, and inflammation. Now, krill oil—derived from tiny crustaceans found in Antarctic waters—is being marketed as a more bioavailable and antioxidant-rich alternative. With Thais increasingly concerned about diet-related illnesses and eager to adopt science-backed preventive health trends, these claims matter deeply. But does the science support making the switch?

A wave of evidence-based advice is emerging for those keen to avoid Vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly as plant-based diets become mainstream globally and in Thailand. According to nutrition experts cited in a new article by The Times, the best preventive strategies focus on supplementation, mindful dietary planning, and vigilance for symptoms—key advice echoed by international research and local trends. With B12 deficiency carrying significant health consequences, especially among older adults and those on vegan or vegetarian diets, understanding new prevention tactics is vital for Thai readers navigating a changing food landscape.

Recent coverage in Vogue and the latest dermatological studies suggest that vitamin A might be the missing piece for those struggling with dry, brittle strands, itchy scalp, or unexpected hair loss. With experts increasingly linking micronutrient intake to hair health, emerging evidence reveals that vitamin A’s impact on the scalp and follicles could explain everyday hair complaints—an issue with both global and Thai resonance due to shifting nutritional patterns and high humidity levels in the kingdom.

A growing number of Thais are seeking dietary supplements and over-the-counter remedies for gut health—a trend that mirrors shifts in global wellness culture. But leading nutrition experts caution that certain popular supplements may deliver more hype than actual benefit, and in some cases, could even be harmful. Based on a new review published by EatingWell and recent research from dietitians, Thai consumers are urged to think critically and prioritize proven dietary approaches over costly, often-unregulated products.

With shelves across Thailand and the world increasingly stocked with convenient, eye-catching sachets promising instant relief from hangovers, dehydration, and migraines, so-called “magic” electrolyte powders have soared in popularity. However, new research and critical expert reviews suggest many claims behind these products are more marketing than true medical miracle—raising questions for health-conscious Thai consumers as these powders make their way into local trends and wellness routines.

Electrolyte powders, such as those sold under brands like Liquid I.V., are heavily promoted as cures for fatigue, headaches, post-exercise dehydration, and above all, hangovers. Market analysts project the global electrolyte powder sector could reach USD 4.6 billion by 2030, as such supplements experience a social media-fueled boom among office workers, students, and fitness enthusiasts alike (grandviewresearch.com). Yet, leading physicians and medical experts caution that the perceived benefits for most healthy adults are both overstated and potentially problematic.

Magnesium has become a star of wellness social media, with influencers and even some health professionals touting it as a solution for ailments ranging from insomnia to “brain fog.” Yet, while this essential mineral undeniably supports several vital bodily processes, leading experts caution that many online claims significantly overstate what magnesium truly delivers, leaving Thai consumers at risk of unrealistic expectations and possible health drawbacks.

Magnesium plays a biological role critical for nerve, muscle, heart, and bone function, making it an indispensable part of a healthy diet. As a clinical pharmacist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center told HuffPost, “With supplements, in general, there’s not a lot of requirements out there for good hard research…so it’s unclear how to apply it to certain groups of patients” (huffpost.com). This caveat is particularly timely in Thailand, where supplement use is growing and is heavily influenced by trends found on TikTok, Facebook, and LINE groups.

A new clinical trial published in June 2025 has cast doubt on the widely held belief that caffeinated, protein-based pre-workout supplements offer significant advantages over simpler carbohydrate-based options for those seeking strength and performance gains. The findings, which have generated significant interest and debate among fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and globally, suggest that many popular pre-workout formulas may be no more effective than consuming carbohydrates alone before hitting the gym [MensHealth].

As creatine gains traction among athletes and health-conscious individuals in Thailand, the question of optimal timing for maximum effect has taken centre stage. Recent research and expert opinions now shed new light on how and when to take creatine to reap the greatest health, strength, and cognitive benefits. Drawing from the latest findings published by reputable health and nutrition experts, this report unpacks the science, examines the practical implications for Thai readers, and highlights the importance of supplement safety and authenticity in a rapidly growing market.

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.

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 new scientific study has challenged the widely held belief that taurine, an amino acid supplemented by many Thais hoping to slow aging, actually declines with age or serves as a reliable biomarker for aging in humans. The study, published on June 5 in the prestigious journal Science, analyzed taurine levels across a wide range of ages in humans, monkeys, and mice, finding not a universal decrease as previously theorized, but rather an increase or stability in taurine concentrations through adulthood. These surprising findings are raising significant questions about the actual role of taurine supplements in aging and health, especially given growing interest in anti-aging products and therapies in Thailand and around the world (livescience.com).

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 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).

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 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 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 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 groundbreaking new clinical trial has found that vitamin D supplementation may slow a key cellular process associated with aging, providing intriguing evidence that this everyday nutrient could help preserve the building blocks of our health. However, medical experts urge the public not to rush to buy supplements based on these results alone, warning that more research is needed to confirm the findings and guide public health recommendations (Washington Post).

A new wave of research is shining light on the crucial, yet often overlooked, aspects of survivorship for breast cancer patients—including sexual health, holistic symptom management, and lifestyle choices like exercise and diet. The 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium recently devoted a special session to these quality-of-life issues, signaling an important shift in how doctors, researchers, and advocates are addressing the daily realities faced by breast cancer survivors worldwide—including here in Thailand.

Magnesium supplements have become a staple in health aisles across Thailand, promising everything from improved sleep to stronger bones. But with over 10 different types available, choosing the right form of magnesium can be a confusing decision. New research and expert interviews offer vital guidance for Thai consumers seeking to unlock the mineral’s many health benefits while avoiding common pitfalls.

Magnesium is an essential mineral renowned for its roles in relaxing muscles, supporting nerve function, aiding digestion, promoting sleep, reducing migraines, and maintaining heart and bone health. According to nutrition experts, there are more than 10 types of magnesium—each chemically bound to different compounds, such as salts or amino acids, which affect how the body absorbs and utilizes the mineral. This diversity, though beneficial, has led to confusion among consumers and a surge of marketing from supplement brands, especially as recent global trends and Thai retailers reflect growing interest in preventative health (Fortune/Yahoo).

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to ban a widely used supplement marketed for children over mounting evidence linking its consumption to cases of brain damage, according to several major news outlets including New York Post. The move raises immediate concerns for Thai families, doctors, and educators, as Thailand’s urban middle class has long trended toward American-style supplement use for children, in hopes of boosting learning and health outcomes.

A recent wave of consumer interest in collagen peptides has swept through Thailand, with many athletes and wellness enthusiasts hoping these popular supplements can strengthen tendons and prevent injuries. But new research, as highlighted in a recent Barbend article, challenges widely held beliefs about the effectiveness of collagen peptides for increasing tendon thickness—a key marker often associated with tendon health and injury prevention [barbend.com].

The fascination with collagen peptides stems from their biological role as building blocks for connective tissue, skin, and cartilage. In Thailand, where sports like badminton, football, and Muay Thai are widely practiced, tendon injuries are a common concern. Supplement brands have capitalized on this demand, marketing collagen as a solution for joint pain, faster recovery, and even enhanced athletic performance. However, scientific evidence behind some of these claims has been less clear.