#ThaiFDA

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.

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.

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.

A new wave of international medical research and expert commentary is urging consumers to approach vitamin supplements—such as vitamin B12 and iron—with greater caution, as excessive or unnecessary supplementation may pose health risks rather than provide the expected health benefits. This renewed scrutiny, recently highlighted by a leading health expert on The Economic Times, has direct implications for Thai consumers amid the booming supplement industry and rising health consciousness.

Vitamins and minerals play essential roles in human health, but recent studies show that indiscriminate use, particularly of vitamin B12 and iron, may carry hidden dangers. In Thailand, where convenience stores, pharmacies, and online marketplaces are flooded with a dazzling array of supplement brands, the prevailing belief that “more is better” has fueled a multi-billion-baht industry. However, according to recent research summaries published in journals like the New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA, the blanket use of supplements without clear medical need may contribute to adverse effects, with iron and vitamin B12 topping the list of potentially problematic substances when overused.

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 trip to the supermarket these days is as much a marketing battleground as a chance to stock up on groceries. With promises like “heart healthy,” “high in protein,” and “low-carb” splashed across everything from yogurt to granola bars, health-conscious Thai shoppers may feel reassured about their food choices. But new research and mounting global scrutiny reveal that these claims are often more about sales than substance—prompting both consumers and regulators to rethink how healthy our processed foods really are (Yahoo Lifestyle, 2025).

Strolling down the aisles of any modern supermarket, shoppers from Bangkok to Buriram are awash in attractive food packaging touting claims like “heart healthy,” “high in protein,” or “low-carb.” But intriguing new research and regulatory discussions are challenging whether these tempting promises really hold up—and how consumers in Thailand and worldwide might be misled by what’s known as “nutriwashing” or “healthwashing” Yahoo.

What is nutriwashing? Marketers routinely use buzzwords like “natural,” “gluten-free,” and “immune-boosting” to confer a health halo on processed foods. Yet, as Lindsay Malone, a registered dietician and nutrition instructor at Case Western Reserve University, tells Yahoo Life, “These claims influence consumer decisions by creating the illusion of healthiness, leading shoppers to choose products they believe are better for them when, in reality, they may still be highly processed and nutritionally poor.” Her warning echoes international studies that found many foods labeled as “high in protein” or “whole grain” may contain surprisingly high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives PubMed, 2024.

A robust new clinical trial has revealed that fish oil supplements deliver higher levels of vital omega-3 fatty acids to the body compared to eating fish, challenging the long-standing notion that whole foods are always superior to supplements for nutrient intake (Good News Network). The study, recently published in the British Journal of Nutrition, provides fresh evidence that could influence dietary advice in Thailand, where cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases continue to pose significant public health threats.