With today’s hectic schedules, inconsistent diets, and on-the-go lifestyles, more people are looking to dietary supplements to fill nutritional gaps. It’s become harder to meet daily nutrient needs through food alone, so consumers are turning to science, tech, and even DNA-based nutrition assessments to better understand what their bodies actually need.
This shift toward personalization has fueled the growing popularity of supplements—not just globally, but especially across Asia Pacific. In the Philippines, health has climbed up the priority list for many Filipinos, sometimes even more than financial milestones like buying a house, according to a 2024 OCTA survey. The pandemic played a major role in this mindset shift, making daily vitamins and supplements a regular part of wellness routines.
But with growing demand comes rising concerns. According to Alex Teo, Director of Research Development and Scientific Affairs at Herbalife Asia Pacific, safety, quality, and regulation are now top of mind. There have been instances where products contained hidden pharmaceutical ingredients or unsafe contaminants. “That’s why transparency in labeling, sourcing, and testing is so important—it’s what builds consumer trust,” said Teo.
Regulation: All Over the Map
The regulatory landscape for dietary supplements across Asia Pacific is far from uniform.
Australia, for example, has one of the strictest systems in place. Supplements there are regulated as therapeutic goods under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which means strong proof of safety, effectiveness, and quality is required. Meanwhile, countries like Indonesia take a more flexible approach—classifying supplements as traditional or health-based under BPOM.
In the Philippines and most neighboring countries, supplements must be registered before hitting the shelves. However, they’re generally regulated like food, focusing more on labels than rigorous clinical testing. Add to that the growing problem of unregistered products being sold online—often promoted by influencers using exaggerated or false health claims—and you’ve got a risky environment for buyers.
Warnings from the FDA and Department of Health in the Philippines are increasing, urging consumers to be more cautious. While some countries like South Korea and Taiwan have established solid regulatory systems that include safety evaluations, ingredient approvals, and mandatory GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), others are still catching up.
Here are some areas where inconsistencies across the region can impact safety:
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Labeling: Rules about what should appear on supplement packaging vary, especially when it comes to listing ingredients, dosages, and side effects.
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Health Claims: Some products boast benefits like “immune support” or “cognitive enhancement” without real proof.
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Digital Ads: Social media marketing has made it easier for misleading claims to spread. In some countries, false advertising is penalized, while in others, it slips through the cracks.
The ASEAN Harmonization of Health Supplements initiative aims to fix this by creating a unified set of rules across Southeast Asia, but implementation has been slow.
Why Science Matters
With regulations differing from country to country, scientific backing becomes even more essential. Credible, research-based formulations give consumers confidence that what they’re taking is both safe and effective. Herbalife, for instance, places strong emphasis on science-driven development and independent third-party testing to confirm ingredient purity and label accuracy.
“Scientific validation ensures the product isn’t just trendy—it’s actually effective,” Teo noted.
Companies investing in innovation—like precision nutrition and better bioavailability—are also helping consumers get more out of each dose. That means better absorption and targeted benefits, whether it’s for energy, immunity, or overall well-being.
What You Can Do
As the supplement industry booms, it’s more important than ever for consumers to stay informed. Before buying any supplement:
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Read the label and ingredient list carefully
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Check for third-party testing and GMP certification
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Avoid products with vague claims or no scientific support
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Be wary of online-only brands or influencer-promoted pills
“Knowing how your supplement is made, and who’s making it, gives you the power to make smarter, safer health decisions,” said Teo.
In short: Yes, supplements can be a great tool for better health—but only if you choose them wisely.
