#ThailandHealth

Millions of people across the globe rely on Benadryl, a common over-the-counter allergy medication, for relief from runny noses and itchy skin. However, a fresh wave of scientific evidence is raising serious concern about the long-term safety of its key ingredient, diphenhydramine. A recent study and mounting medical warnings have drawn direct links between regular Benadryl use and a higher risk of developing crippling diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, prompting doctors to urge consumers, including those in Thailand, to reconsider their treatment choices.

Recent research prompts clinicians to rethink the safety of Benadryl, whose active ingredient diphenhydramine is a sedating anticholinergic. Studies indicate that frequent, long-term use may be associated with a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, particularly among older adults. Thai doctors advocate discussing safer alternatives with healthcare providers.

The findings carry special weight in Thailand, where self-medication with antihistamines is common and the population is aging. Dementia already affects many families in Thailand, adding pressure to the healthcare system. Data from national health authorities and global health bodies underscores the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors to protect cognitive health later in life.

A growing body of research is raising questions about erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in many “no sugar added” and sugar-free products. New laboratory findings suggest potential effects on brain cells and vascular function, prompting calls for more comprehensive human studies. The study’s authors emphasize that results come from lab models and may not reflect real-world outcomes, but they align with earlier observations linking higher erythritol levels to increased cardiovascular risk in some population studies.

A widely used sugar substitute, erythritol, commonly recommended for people with obesity or diabetes and found in an array of “sugar-free” products, is at the center of fresh health warnings after recent research linked it to damaging effects on brain cells and an increased risk of stroke SciTechDaily.

This finding, from a new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, raises important questions for Thai consumers who increasingly turn to artificial sweeteners in their efforts to manage weight, diabetes, and blood sugar—problems that are highly prevalent in Thailand and have changed consumption habits nationwide. As health-conscious lifestyles prompt a shift toward “no sugar” or “sugar-free” foods, the safety of these sugar alternatives is becoming a matter of significant public interest.

A new experimental mRNA vaccine developed by researchers at a major university demonstrates a remarkable boost to the immune system’s ability to fight cancer in animals. Published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the study outlines a potential path toward a universal cancer vaccine that could benefit patients in Thailand and beyond.

For years, scientists have pursued ways to empower the immune system to recognize and destroy tumors. Traditional cancer vaccines are often tailored to specific tumor proteins or target common cancer features. The UF team pursued a broader strategy: an off-the-shelf, non-specific mRNA vaccine designed to amplify responses to standard immunotherapies. In mice, this approach significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity and, in some cases, led to tumor elimination when combined with checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 blockers. Senior researchers describe the findings as exciting, suggesting the possibility of a universal cancer vaccine that does not require patient-specific tumor profiling.

A groundbreaking long-term study has turned conventional wisdom on its head, revealing that modest rises in blood sugar—not age or testosterone—are a primary driver of sexual decline in men. Presented at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, these findings highlight that even non-diabetic glucose levels can slow sperm, impair erections, and reduce libido, with important implications for men’s health across Thailand and the world (SciTechDaily).

For years, discussions about aging men’s declining sexual and reproductive health have focused on hormone levels and the inevitable march of time. But this newly published research, led by a respected German endocrinologist, argues that subtle metabolic changes—particularly slight increases in blood sugar—play a more pivotal role than previously recognized. “Although age and testosterone levels have long been considered an impetus for men’s declining sexual health, our research indicates that these changes more closely correlate with modest increases in blood sugar and other metabolic changes,” said a University Hospital in Muenster professor involved in the study. This suggests that lifestyle management and blood sugar monitoring may hold the key to preserving sexual health as men age.

A six-year study presented at ENDO 2025 challenges the view that aging alone governs men’s sexual health. Researchers found that even modest rises in blood sugar, rather than age or testosterone alone, are linked to declines in sperm quality, erectile function, and libido. The findings underscore the importance of metabolic health for men’s sexual vitality in Thailand and beyond.

Traditionally, discussions about declining male sexual and reproductive health have focused on hormones and aging. The new study, led by a senior endocrinologist, suggests that subtle metabolic changes—especially small increases in blood sugar—may play a larger role than previously recognized. “Although age and testosterone have long been linked to changes in sexual health, our findings show these shifts align more closely with modest rises in blood sugar and other metabolic changes,” the lead researcher noted. The takeaway: lifestyle management and regular blood sugar monitoring could help preserve sexual health with age.

A new experimental mRNA vaccine developed by researchers at the University of Florida has demonstrated an unprecedented ability to boost the body’s immune response against cancer, potentially paving the way toward a universal cancer vaccine, according to a landmark study published this week in Nature Biomedical Engineering (MedicalXpress). This innovative approach represents a paradigm shift in cancer therapy that could ultimately benefit patients in Thailand and around the world, offering hope for those with cancers resistant to conventional treatments.

A ubiquitous sugar substitute found in Thai supermarkets, bakeries, bubble tea shops, and increasingly in “health” products, erythritol, has emerged as a fresh concern for heart health. Recent scientific studies—including a major investigation led by the University of Colorado Boulder—reveal that consuming even a typical serving of erythritol may rapidly trigger changes in blood vessels and platelets that set the stage for heart attack and stroke. With sugar-free and “keto” diets growing in popularity across Thailand, these findings carry weighty implications for millions of Thai consumers who have long considered erythritol as a harmless alternative to sugar.

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 familiar sugar substitute found across Thai supermarkets, bakeries, and bubble tea shops is drawing renewed scrutiny. Erythritol, popular in sugar-free and “health” products, may trigger immediate changes in blood vessels and platelets that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. With many Thais turning to sugar-free and keto options, these findings carry significant implications for millions who view erythritol as harmless.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol produced by fermenting corn or wheat starch. It is marketed as a natural, low-calorie option suitable for people with diabetes or those following low-carb regimens. Regulators in the United States and Southeast Asia have approved its use, helping it become widespread in beverages, snacks, toothpaste, and personal care items. Unlike some sugar alcohols, it typically causes little digestive upset, which adds to its popularity.

New global research shifts the focus from physical activity as the main driver of obesity to diet quality, highlighting the growing role of ultra-processed foods. For Thailand and other developing economies facing rising obesity, the findings advocate policy reform, nutrition education, and mindful everyday eating in homes and schools.

The study compares energy use in more than 4,000 adults across 34 settings, from hunter-gatherer communities in Africa to corporate environments in Europe. Using the doubly labeled water method, researchers measured daily energy expenditure linked to basic biology and activity. After accounting for body size, the results show similar calorie burn in industrialized societies and subsistence communities, challenging the idea that wealthier nations are inherently more sedentary.

A global curiosity about VO₂ max–focused cardio is shaping Thailand’s urban fitness culture. A recent feature highlights participants in a VO₂ max–driven class, offering practical takeaways for fitness enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, and older adults in Thailand seeking measurable health benefits.

VO₂ max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is a strong predictor of long-term health. Higher VO₂ max scores are linked with lower risks of premature death, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. In Thailand, where noncommunicable diseases remain a major concern, the Ministry of Public Health prioritizes preventive lifestyle measures to curb rising costs and boost longevity. Data from Thai health authorities shows that improving cardio fitness can yield meaningful health gains across age groups.

For many, cardiovascular workouts have long held a reputation for monotony and discomfort. However, a recent trend spotlighted in London may shake up that perception, making cardio both engaging and scientifically meaningful. A first-hand report published by Business Insider detailed the experience of participating in a new VO₂ max–focused fitness class—offering crucial insights that resonate not only with international readers but also with Thailand’s urban fitness enthusiasts, sports medicine practitioners, and those committed to aging well.

A sizable international study finds that small rises in blood sugar, well below diabetes levels, can impair male sexual function and sperm motility. The findings challenge the idea that aging or testosterone alone drive sexual decline in men. For Thai readers, the results come at a time of rising metabolic disorders and changing lifestyles across the country.

Historically, low libido, erectile difficulties, and poorer semen quality were attributed mainly to age or low testosterone. The FAME 2.0 study, conducted at a German university hospital, shows that even modest metabolic shifts—measured by HbA1c—correlate more strongly with declines in sexual health than age or testosterone. The study followed nearly 200 healthy men aged 18–85 over six years, excluding those with diabetes, heart disease, or cancer to isolate the effects of prediabetic glucose elevations.

A sweeping international study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is challenging one of the most entrenched beliefs about obesity: that sedentary lifestyles in wealthy nations are the main culprit behind rising rates of overweight and obesity. Instead, the study points a much sharper spotlight at diet—specifically, the prevalence of ultra-processed foods—as the major driver of the global obesity crisis. As Thailand and other middle-income nations grapple with rising rates of obesity, these findings hold urgent implications for public health policies, education campaigns, and everyday choices at the dining table.

A groundbreaking new study has challenged decades-old assumptions about men’s sexual health, showing that even slightly elevated blood sugar—well below diabetic levels—can significantly impair sexual function and sperm mobility. The findings, which upend the notion that age or testosterone alone drive male sexual decline, have special implications for Thai men amid rising rates of metabolic disorder and changing lifestyles nationwide.

For years, it was widely believed that reduced libido, erectile challenges, and compromised sperm quality in men naturally came with aging or declining testosterone. However, the international team led by physicians at University Hospital in Münster, Germany, has demonstrated that subtle metabolic changes—marked primarily by the HbA1c blood sugar test—correlate far more closely with sexual health decline than either age or testosterone levelsScience Daily. The study, known as FAME 2.0, followed nearly 200 healthy men aged 18-85 in a rigorous six-year analysis ending in 2020, excluding any participants with diabetes, heart disease, or cancer to isolate the effects of modest (pre-diabetic) blood sugar elevation.

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.

A groundbreaking new study tracking over 540,000 adults for nearly 30 years has ignited alarm across the global health community, revealing a significant link between diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of early death. Published in July 2025 and widely cited by international health experts, the research found that participants consuming the most ultra-processed foods had about a 10% higher risk of dying early, compared to those with the lowest consumption levels. With ultra-processed foods now a staple in many Thai diets, these findings carry urgent implications for national health and daily food choices.

Thailand is witnessing a rapid rise in dietary supplements sold in Bangkok pharmacies and online. The growth mirrors a global wellness trend and reflects rising urbanization, digital marketing, and a growing middle class seeking proactive health options. This piece analyzes the market dynamics, health realities, and implications for Thai consumers and policymakers.

Globally, a large share of adults uses supplements daily, contributing to a multibillion-dollar industry with thousands of products. In Thailand, the nutritional supplement sector surpassed US$4.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach about US$5.5 billion by 2030, according to industry analysts. The momentum is driven by convenience, accessibility, and a desire to support preventive health alongside traditional medicine and nutrition.

A large international study followed more than 540,000 adults for nearly three decades and found a link between diets rich in ultra-processed foods and a higher risk of premature death. The research indicates those with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods faced about a 10% greater chance of dying earlier than those who consumed the least. With UPFs common in Thai diets, these findings have immediate relevance for health and daily eating habits.

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.