#Vitamind

A new wave of research suggests that a popular form of vitamin D may not only be less effective for some people but could even have unintended negative effects. The lead finding points to how the type of vitamin D matters: the version derived from animal sources, often called vitamin D3, appears to work differently in the body from the plant- or fungus-derived vitamin D2. For Thai families who rely on supplements to fill gaps in sun exposure, diet, and aging-related needs, this news arrives with both caution and a call for smarter choices.

A landmark randomized trial suggests that vitamin D supplements may slow a key aging process by protecting telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. In a sub-study of a large U.S. clinical trial, participants who took vitamin D3 at 2,000 IU per day showed less shortening of telomeres over four years compared with those given a placebo. The finding implies that vitamin D could help delay certain aging-related changes at the cellular level, although researchers caution that more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits and to understand who might benefit most. By contrast, a similar omega-3 fatty acid supplementation showed no significant effect on telomere length in the same study.

A recent wave of research questions routine daily vitamin use for healthy adults.
Experts say a balanced diet meets most nutrient needs for most people (Says).

Public health guidance still supports food first.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health lists Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI) for each vitamin and mineral (MOH RNI).

Large new cohort research found no clear longevity benefit from daily multivitamins.
The pooled study of three US cohorts showed no mortality advantage for daily multivitamin users (JAMA Network Open 2024).

Millions of Thai families spend thousands of baht monthly on daily vitamin supplements believing they’re investing in better health, but revolutionary new research from leading medical institutions reveals that most healthy adults receive no meaningful health benefits from routine multivitamin consumption—and may actually be wasting money that could purchase more nutritious whole foods.

Leading nutritional experts and public health authorities across Southeast Asia increasingly emphasize that well-planned, diverse diets typically provide adequate vitamin and mineral intake for most healthy adults, challenging the multi-billion-dollar supplement industry’s marketing claims that daily pills are essential for optimal wellness in modern life.

A new wave of consumer health guidance is urging people not to abandon their vitamin D supplements in summer, arguing that sunshine alone often falls short—an insight that may surprise residents of tropical countries like Thailand. A recent explainer from Verywell Health reports that experts recommend continuing vitamin D supplements through the warmer months to keep levels steady year-round because sun-derived vitamin D varies widely by skin tone, time outdoors, pollution, and sunscreen use, among other factors. It also reiterates current daily intake guidance—typically 600–800 IU for adults, unless a clinician advises more—and notes that vitamin D3 tends to sustain levels better than D2 in most studies (Verywell Health). For Thailand, where UV radiation is extreme but urban lifestyles limit midday sun and foods are rarely fortified with vitamin D, the message is especially relevant.

Emerging consumer health guidance challenges common assumptions about vitamin D synthesis, recommending continued supplementation throughout summer months even in tropical climates like Thailand where intense sunshine might seem sufficient. Recent expert analysis reveals that sunshine alone frequently falls short of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels due to multiple variables including skin pigmentation, urban pollution, sunscreen use, limited midday sun exposure, and indoor lifestyle patterns. Health professionals recommend maintaining daily vitamin D intake of typically 600-800 IU for adults unless clinicians advise higher doses, with vitamin D3 generally sustaining blood levels more effectively than D2 forms according to most research studies. For Thailand, where ultraviolet radiation intensity remains extreme year-round but urban lifestyles limit beneficial sun exposure while foods rarely contain vitamin D fortification, this guidance proves especially relevant for public health planning.

A new wave of health guidance urges continued vitamin D supplementation through the summer months, even in tropical countries like Thailand where abundant sunshine might suggest sufficiency. Experts note that a mix of factors—skin pigmentation, urban pollution, sunscreen use, limited midday sun, and indoor lifestyles—means many people do not maintain optimal vitamin D levels despite the sun. For adults, a daily intake of about 600-800 IU is commonly recommended unless a clinician advises otherwise. Vitamin D3 is generally more effective at sustaining blood levels than D2, according to current research. In Thailand, where UV radiation is intense year-round but sun exposure is often urban-limited and fortified foods are uncommon, this guidance carries particular weight for public health planning.

In recent years, painful sex—a condition medically known as dyspareunia—has emerged from the shadows, with a growing body of global and local research pointing to pelvic floor tightness as a primary culprit. New findings and increasing awareness are offering hope to millions of women worldwide, including many in Thailand, who have long suffered in silence due to stigma or lack of information. Medical experts and therapists now highlight both innovative and traditional ways to find relief, indicating a major shift in sexual health care and conversations around intimacy in modern Thai society.

Pelvic floor tightness is increasingly recognized as a key factor in painful sex, or dyspareunia. New research and rising awareness bring hope to Thai women who have faced stigma or misinformation. Medical professionals and therapists are advocating a blend of modern treatment and traditional approaches to improve sexual health care across Thailand.

The pelvic floor is a complex network of muscles and connective tissue supporting the pelvic organs. When these muscles stay chronically tense, a condition known as a hypertonic pelvic floor can cause urinary and bowel issues and pain during intimacy. For many, this pain erodes sexual well-being and overall quality of life, sometimes with involuntary muscle contractions.

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.

As Thailand’s population ages at a record pace, maintaining muscle health is emerging as a top concern for public health, medical practitioners, and older adults alike. Recent research highlighted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) underscores the critical role nutrition plays in protecting muscle mass—a lifeline for those striving to remain independent and avoid frailty well into their later years. The latest evidence shows it’s not just exercise but also everyday foods, rich in key nutrients, that hold the secret to preserving strength and vitality as we age (AARP).

Aging Thailand: nutrition and activity together protect muscle health for independence in later life.

Thailand’s population is aging rapidly, and muscle health is rising as a public-health priority. A recent review highlighted by researchers emphasizes that nutrition matters as much as exercise for preserving muscle mass and independence. Everyday foods rich in key nutrients can protect strength and vitality as we age.

Thailand faces a notable demographic shift. The National Statistical Office projects more than 20% of Thais will be over 60 by 2030. This growth heightens the risk of sarcopenia, a muscle-wasting condition linked to falls, hospital stays, and loss of independence. Public health officials stress that diet, alongside activity, offers practical, home-based strategies for Thai families.

A wave of new scientific insights is highlighting the possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation for men struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition affecting hundreds of thousands in Thailand and millions more worldwide. Recent research suggests that boosting vitamin D—often dubbed the “sunshine vitamin”—may offer a promising, low-cost addition to traditional ED management, especially for men with low vitamin D levels. This growing body of evidence is sparking renewed interest among Thai healthcare professionals and the public, given ED’s significant impact on individual wellbeing and relationships.

A growing body of research suggests vitamin D may influence erectile function, especially for men with low vitamin D levels. While erectile dysfunction has many causes, improving vitamin D status could support vascular and hormonal health that underpins sexual performance. In Thailand, where abundant sunshine meets urban living, clinicians are examining how sun exposure and supplementation fit into broader health strategies.

Erectile dysfunction refers to the persistent difficulty in achieving or sustaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Vascular health is a key factor, alongside stress and metabolic conditions. Vitamin D supports endothelial function and blood vessel health, which are essential for penile blood flow. Deficiency can be linked to inflammation and oxidative stress that may impair performance. Global studies show men with low vitamin D often report poorer erectile function, with moderate improvements observed after supplementation in deficient individuals. Thai clinicians note higher ED risk among patients with obesity, diabetes, or limited sun exposure.

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 new wave of research is shedding light on the extensive—and sometimes unexpected—health implications of vitamin D deficiency, with experts warning that failing to get enough of the so-called “sunshine vitamin” could have far-reaching effects beyond what most people realize. These findings are particularly relevant for Thai readers, given shifting lifestyles, urbanization, and the rising prevalence of indoor work and study patterns, all of which can contribute to vitamin D insufficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency affects more than bone health. In Thailand’s growing urban centers, long indoor hours and limited sun exposure may influence immunity, mood, and chronic disease risk. For Thai readers, this matters as city life shifts toward less outdoor time and more indoor activity.

Vitamin D supports bone strength, inflammation control, and immune function. New evidence suggests it may also impact mood, heart health, and disease risk. Data from the U.S. National Institutes of Health show about one in three Americans has insufficient vitamin D, while global estimates indicate a substantial portion of the population may be deficient. In Thailand, a 2019 study from Mahidol University found nearly 45% of urban Thai adults have below-optimal levels, highlighting the sun-exposure gap in city life.

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.

As sunlight in Thailand blazes year-round, questions often arise about how much exposure is necessary to support healthy vitamin D levels. New research and updated guidelines released in 2024–2025 reveal that the answer is more nuanced than previously thought, with recommendations balancing the benefits of vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin damage. Understanding this balance is crucial for Thai residents, who, despite living in a tropical climate, are not immune to vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D supports bone health, muscle function, and immune response. In Thailand’s sunny climate, it’s tempting to assume everyone easily meets their needs. Yet recent research and updated guidelines from 2024–2025 reveal a more nuanced picture. Thai readers should understand how to balance sun exposure with skin health and practical dietary choices.

The link between Vitamin D and health is well established. Deficiency can contribute to bone disorders in children and adults, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Some evidence also points to weaker muscles and, in older adults, a higher injury risk. Newer studies suggest connections to mental well-being, underscoring the broad importance of adequate Vitamin D levels. Data from public-health authorities highlight the health consequences of deficiency when sun exposure, diet, or absorption are limited.

A growing body of new research is shedding light on a potential link between vitamin D supplementation and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes among individuals with high-risk prediabetes. Recent studies suggest that boosting vitamin D levels in those who are already at risk could slow or even prevent the onset of overt diabetes—a finding that may have significant implications for the millions of people in Thailand and worldwide who are living with prediabetes.