#Supplements

US health officials have launched a major crackdown on kratom-related products, targeting an opioid-like compound known as 7-hydroxymitragynine—often called “7-OH”—after a surge of complaints from the dietary supplement industry and growing safety concerns among regulators and medical experts. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced its intention to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance, placing it on par with substances like LSD and heroin, and recommending a nationwide ban pending Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) review (WBRZ; Yahoo News; FDA).

A new wave of expert advice is challenging the belief that popping supplements can boost brain function, urging Thai readers to prioritise healthy living and balanced diets over quick fixes. According to a comprehensive report by a team of registered dietitians, several widely advertised supplements might actually endanger, rather than enhance, cognitive performance—news with far-reaching implications for Thailand’s rapidly ageing society and health-conscious youth. (EatingWell)

With the promise of sharper memory and better focus, brain health supplements have become staples on pharmacy shelves from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. But registered dietitians cited in the latest review warn these pills can give a false sense of security or even cause harm, especially when consumed in high doses or without medical supervision. The five supplements flagged as concerning are: high-dose vitamin E, high-dose vitamin B6, ginkgo biloba, concentrated caffeine supplements, and omega-6 fatty acid supplements.

A growing wave of guidance urges Thai readers to prioritize healthy living and a balanced diet over memory-boosting pills. A comprehensive review by registered dietitians suggests several popular supplements may do more harm than good, especially without medical supervision or at high doses. The message is timely for Thailand’s aging population and health-conscious youth.

From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, brain health supplements are widely sold. Experts warn these products can create a false sense of security and carry real risks. Five supplements raise particular concern: high-dose vitamin E, high-dose vitamin B6, ginkgo biloba, concentrated caffeine products, and omega-6 fatty acid supplements.

For those plagued by restless nights and chronic fatigue, the promise of a “wonder pill” that can signal sleep to even the most stubborn minds is an alluring one. Melatonin, the natural hormone known for its role in regulating sleep, is increasingly touted as an answer to modern sleep deprivation. Around the world, especially in countries like the United States, synthetic melatonin is as easy to obtain as a bottle of vitamins, found online and in supermarkets. However, for many Thais, this popular sleep supplement remains beyond reach, entangled in a web of regulation and scientific debate that complicates its role as a solution for the nation’s weary.

Sleep deprivation is a growing concern that affects cognitive function, mood, and overall health. In urban Thailand, long work hours, busy lifestyles, and screen time contribute to poorer sleep for many residents. A 2022 survey by a leading Thai health institute found that nearly 60% of urban residents were dissatisfied with their sleep quality. As awareness grows, some people turn to melatonin, attracted by its reputation as a natural sleep aid.

Digestive health is a growing topic in Thailand as stomach discomfort, bloating, and immune wellbeing become everyday concerns. A recent review in Women’s Health UK offers science-based guidance on choosing probiotic strains for constipation, diarrhoea, and immune support. The findings arrive as Thai consumers increasingly consider dietary supplements for overall wellness.

In Thailand, gut health is now a common topic in everyday conversations, helped by health segments on TV and social media. With hundreds of probiotic products on the market, many Thais wonder which strains truly help and how to assess quality. The review provides practical, evidence-informed tips that gastroenterologists and dietitians say can help shoppers make smarter choices. Data from leading health experts show that selecting the right strain matters for specific digestive issues.

A new review published this week in Women’s Health UK has captured global interest by ranking the nine best probiotics for gut health, using in-depth testing and expert input from gastroenterologists and dietitians. The report, led by a registered dietitian, offers practical guidance to consumers on choosing the right probiotic for specific digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, or immune support. With digestive health a growing concern among Thais—stomach discomfort, bloating, and “ภูมิต้านทาน” (immune health) are common topics in local communities—the findings are particularly relevant for those considering dietary supplements to support overall wellness.

A prominent cardiologist has weighed in on the power of dietary supplements to combat inflammation and potentially prolong life—advice that may resonate for Thai readers increasingly concerned about heart health. According to a recent feature in Business Insider, Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, the director of the advanced heart failure program at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, shared that his personal supplement regimen centers on three key nutrients: omega-3, magnesium, and vitamin D. His approach, backed by the latest medical research, offers actionable insights for reducing the risk of heart disease and associated conditions.

A senior cardiologist notes that dietary supplements can complement a healthy lifestyle to reduce inflammation and support longer, healthier lives. The guidance centers on three nutrients—omega-3, magnesium, and vitamin D—and is framed for Thai readers focusing on prevention and vascular health.

In Thailand, rising rates of heart disease and diabetes prompt a broader interest in preventive measures. Public health messaging promotes balanced meals and regular exercise, while some experts point to supplements for nutrients that may be hard to obtain in sufficient amounts from everyday diets. This aligns with global research exploring how targeted nutrients influence cardiovascular risk and healthy aging.

A growing number of teenagers view protein supplements as a quick path to muscle and the body ideals popular on social media. Research from a leading U.S. pediatric hospital indicates that around 40% of teens used some form of protein supplement in the past year. The trend is spreading beyond the United States to Europe and increasingly to Asia, prompting Thai parents, teachers, and health professionals to consider how online fitness messaging affects youths in Thailand.

A surge of collagen products has flooded Thai shelves, from colorful injections in beauty clinics to powders and drinks in markets. Consumers are weighing ingestibles and innovative procedures like NeoGen plasma therapy. But do collagen shots and supplements truly restore youth, or are the gains mostly superficial? New reviews offer cautious signals, urging Thai shoppers and clinicians to tread carefully.

Thailand’s beauty market mirrors global trends, propelled by social media and celebrity endorsements. In Bangkok, clinics promote collagen as a remedy for sagging skin, fine lines, and a dull complexion. With an aging population and a cultural emphasis on youthful appearance, demand for new beauty innovations remains high. Yet scientists warn that the journey from swallowing collagen to visibly younger skin is not straightforward.

The promise of youthful, radiant skin in a bottle has led to a surge of collagen-based products in Thailand, from colourful shots on beauty shelves to powdered supplements at local markets. As Thais increasingly turn to these products—and to innovative medical procedures such as plasma-based NeoGen treatments—the question arises: do collagen shots and supplements live up to the hype? Or are their benefits merely skin-deep? Recent research, including a critical review summarized in The Guardian, brings both hope and skepticism to the collagen conversation and raises important points for Thai consumers and health professionals.

A surge in high-protein diets, popular among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious Thais, may be unwittingly putting kidneys at risk, according to new research highlighted in a recent article by the Times of India. As protein’s reputation grows as a dietary superstar—promoting muscle gain and aiding weight management—experts warn that simple mistakes in how and what kind of protein is consumed may quietly fuel the rising tide of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among those already at risk.

A growing interest in high-protein diets among fitness enthusiasts in Thailand may unintentionally burden the kidneys. New, accessible guidance suggests that both the amount and source of protein influence chronic kidney disease risk, especially for those with existing risk factors.

Kidney health matters because these organs filter waste from protein metabolism. In Thailand, CKD remains a public health concern with regional differences, and many people are unaware of their kidney status. Hypertension and diabetes—common in the country—compound long-term risk. Routine screening and early detection are crucial, since kidney damage can develop with few or no symptoms.

A recent UK review identifies four dietary supplements with the strongest evidence for easing depressive symptoms: St. John’s wort, probiotics, vitamin D, and saffron. The analysis examined hundreds of trials across 64 over-the-counter products, reflecting growing global interest in self-care for mental wellbeing amid persistent stigma around psychiatric treatment. In Thailand, mental health data highlight the demand for affordable, accessible options. The Department of Mental Health estimates that more than 1.5 million residents experience depressive disorders, with many undiagnosed due to stigma or barriers to care. The global supplements market has surged to roughly 152 billion dollars, driven in part by social media promotion of mood-boosting products, though robust evidence for many supplements remains elusive.

A new review from researchers in the United Kingdom has highlighted four dietary supplements—St. John’s wort, probiotics, vitamin D, and saffron—that present the strongest evidence for easing depressive symptoms, according to an analysis published this week in Health.com (health.com). The study, which assessed hundreds of clinical trials covering 64 different over-the-counter supplements, arrives as Thailand and the world see surging interest in self-care for mental wellbeing amid persistent stigma around psychiatric treatment.

A recent health scare involving a woman whose daily use of turmeric supplements nearly led to fatal liver failure is raising alarms about the potential dangers of herbal supplements—a warning for Thai consumers as interest in natural remedies steadily grows. The case, reported by multiple news outlets in July 2025, details how a seemingly healthy 57-year-old woman began experiencing mild abdominal pain, progressing to nausea, dark urine, extreme fatigue, and eventually jaundice—signs of acute liver damage. Doctors later traced her condition to a high-dose turmeric supplement she had begun taking for joint pain, sparking a wider discussion about supplement safety and regulation.

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.

Supplements remain popular in Thailand as quick wellness boosts—from brighter skin to better workouts. New research and warnings from international health authorities show that misuse, even if unintended, can quietly harm the liver and kidneys, with effects that may take years to appear. As supplement use rises among urban residents, fitness enthusiasts, and seniors, readers deserve clear guidance on the hidden risks behind glossy marketing.

In a fast-paced society, many view pills as shortcuts to well-being. Herbal products such as comfrey, kava, and high-dose green tea extracts are marketed as natural solutions. Yet scientific reviews increasingly link some herbal supplements to liver injury. Data from independent studies indicate green tea extracts can contribute to liver damage even in seemingly healthy individuals, underscoring the need for caution.

A recent medical case highlights the potential risks of high-dose turmeric capsules used for joint pain. A 57-year-old woman developed acute liver injury after taking a supplement labeled for enhanced absorption with black pepper. She experienced abdominal pain, nausea, dark urine, fatigue, and jaundice, leading to hospitalization. Doctors credit stopping the product and intensive care for preventing a life-threatening outcome.

Turmeric remains a familiar ingredient in Thai cuisine and traditional remedies. Yet the surge in imported and online supplements means many products are far more potent than culinary turmeric. Data from Thai health authorities show a gradual rise in adverse effects linked to dietary supplements, with liver toxicity among the key concerns. This underlines the need for clear warnings and stricter dosage controls across the market.

Daily use of pre-workout supplements—commonplace among fitness-minded Thais and athletes—may not be as risk-free or effective as many believe, according to recent research and expert guidance. While these supplements are marketed for energy, strength, and performance, relying on them daily can cause diminishing returns, potential health risks, and a dependency that shifts the very nature of exercise motivation, new studies and international experts caution (Verywell Health).

Thailand’s booming fitness culture is mirrored in Bangkok’s bustling gyms and the popularity of national sporting events, making the latest international research highly relevant locally. Many Thais use pre-workouts as powder, drinks, or pills to enhance workouts—sometimes without fully considering the risks or regulations. As global sports nutrition finds its place in the Thai urban landscape, understanding the safety and effectiveness of supplement routines has never been more important.

A growing number of Thai gym-goers rely on pre-workout products to boost energy and performance. New research and expert guidance suggest daily use may not be as safe or effective as many think, and it can affect motivation and training quality over time.

Thailand’s vibrant fitness scene—from Bangkok studios to regional competitions—makes these findings highly relevant. Many Thais use powders, drinks, or pills before training, but awareness of risks and regulatory details remains uneven. As sports nutrition becomes more common in urban life, understanding how to use these products safely is increasingly important.

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 look at vitamin D and blood pressure highlights how individual factors shape outcomes. In Thailand, hypertension affects about one in four adults, while vitamin D deficiency is common among older people and city dwellers. Vitamin D supports bones, immunity, and muscles, but its impact on blood pressure is not straightforward. Research suggests benefits may occur mainly for those who are deficient, have hypertension, or share other risk factors.