Are the Supplements You Consume Truly Safe for You?

Manila, 7 July 2025 - In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are increasingly turning to dietary supplements to fill nutritional gaps in their diets. With busy lifestyles and evolving dietary habits, many struggle to meet their daily nutrient requirements through food alone. Advances in personal health assessments ranging from consultations with medical professionals to digital nutrition diagnoses and even DNA nutrition test kits are enabling individuals to better understand their nutritional needs.    

 

As a result, dietary supplementation has become a popular solution for those seeking a convenient and tailored approach to maintaining their well-being. This rising consumer trust is also contributing to the rapid growth of the supplement industry, particularly in Asia Pacific. 

 

In the Philippines, more and more Filipinos are prioritizing their health, sometimes even more than saving money or buying a house, according to a 2024 OCTA survey. This shift, largely driven by the pandemic, has made supplements a convenient and popular option for supporting wellness goals.1 

 

According to Alex Teo, Director, Research Development and Scientific Affairs, Asia Pacific, Herbalife, as demand for dietary supplements surges, so do concerns about safety, quality, and regulatory oversight. In some cases, supplements have been found to contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients, like synthetic drugs or contaminants that could pose serious health risks. “As a result, transparency in the dietary supplement industry has become a critical factor in earning customer trust. Brands that embrace transparency in their labelling, sourcing, and quality assurance practices can build a brand image that differentiates them in an increasingly competitive market,” said Teo.  

 

The Evolving Regulatory Landscape in Asia Pacific 

 

The regulatory framework for dietary supplements in the Asia Pacific region varies significantly across countries. Australia has one of the most stringent systems, with supplements regulated as therapeutic goods under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which requires robust evidence of safety, quality, and efficacy. Products must be listed or registered depending on their risk classification, and manufacturers must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). In contrast, Indonesia takes a more flexible approach. Supplements fall under the jurisdiction of Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan (BPOM), which classifies them as traditional or health supplements.  

 
In most APAC markets, including the Philippines, dietary supplements must be registered with the regulatory authorities before they can be sold. However, supplement recalls in the region have raised questions about the industry's regulatory oversight. Unlike the pharmaceutical sector, which undergo stringent testing and approval processes, dietary supplements are often regulated in a manner that is similar to food products, focusing primarily on labelling and general safety.  

 

Moreover, online loopholes pose growing risks. Unregistered products are often sold on digital platforms or promoted by influencers making false or exaggerated health claims. This has prompted repeated warnings from the Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health to Filipino consumers.2 

As a result, the level of regulatory rigor varies widely between countries, leading to inconsistencies in safety and quality. Key regulatory considerations include:  

• Regulatory Frameworks: Countries like South Korea and Taiwan have implemented comprehensive regulatory frameworks for dietary supplements, overseen by their respective food and drug authorities. Both countries require safety evaluations, functional ingredient approvals, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices before products can enter the market. These measures ensure high standards of safety, efficacy, and quality. 
• Labelling Standards: Clear and accurate labelling is critical to consumer safety. Regulations dictate that supplement labels should list ingredients, recommended dosage, and potential side effects, though enforcement varies across the region. 
• Health Supplement Claims: Many brands make claims about the benefits of their products, from boosting immunity to improving cognitive function. However, without strong regulatory scrutiny, some of these claims may be misleading or unverified. 
• Advertising and Promotion: Digital marketing, especially through social media, has played a pivotal role in supplement sales. In some countries, misleading advertisements or claims can lead to penalties, while in others, enforcement is weak, making it easier for questionable products to reach consumers.   

  

While efforts have been made such as the ASEAN Harmonization of Health Supplements initiative to develop a unified regulatory framework across Southeast Asia, the framework has yet to be fully implemented to date. Until such standards are adopted, both consumers and manufacturers must continue to navigate a complex and uneven regulatory landscape across the region. 

 

The Importance of Scienced-Backed Supplementation  

 

With regulatory standards differing across markets, scientific validation plays a crucial role in helping consumers make informed and confident decisions about their health. Supplements grounded in credible scientific research offer a higher level of assurance when it comes to safety, efficacy, and long-term benefits. Health and wellness brands such as Herbalife differentiate themselves by prioritizing science-backed product development and rigorous quality control. Investing in extensive research and adhering to strict compliance standards helps establish a benchmark for product safety, ensuring that consumers receive high-quality and effective supplements. 

 

“A key aspect of this commitment is scientific validation—where formulations are developed based on credible research rather than fleeting market trends. To further ensure product safety and potency, Herbalife conducts independent third-party testing to verify ingredient purity and confirm that what is stated on the label accurately reflects the product’s composition,” added Teo. 

 

Beyond ingredient verification, advancements in nutritional science and product formulation play a vital role in enhancing supplement efficacy. Companies that invest in cutting-edge research and collaborate with scientific experts are better equipped to develop innovative products tailored to evolving consumer health needs. The integration of new technologies, such as precision nutrition and bioavailability optimization, further enhances the absorption and effectiveness of supplements, ensuring that consumers receive maximum benefits from their dietary choices.  

 

Through continuous advancements in formulations and the integration of cutting-edge scientific discoveries, reputable brands set higher industry standards and meet the growing demand for safer, more effective supplements. 

 

Making Informed Choices for Your Health 

 

As the supplement industry continues to grow, consumers must also take an active role in researching and validating the products they consume. Before purchasing a supplement, it is essential to check the ingredient list and verify whether the product contains any allergens, artificial additives, or potentially harmful substances. “Understanding the manufacturing process is equally important, opting for brands that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and conduct third-party testing can help ensure product safety. By taking ownership of the supplement research process to make informed choices, consumers can better safeguard their well-being while benefiting from dietary supplementation,” ended Teo. 

New C in Town

Pasig City, Philippines—October 30, 2020 — Prevention is better than cure, they say. That is why amid the current global health crisis, everyone is encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick.

As part of the “new normal,” people are advised to stay at home, wash the hands frequently using soap and water or sanitizers, and wear protective equipment, facemasks, and face shields, among others, as prescribed by the local authorities.

For Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, however, it also pays to take Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that cannot be produced by our body. While it can be found mostly in the food we eat, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi, taking an extra dose of this important nutrient can help our body’s immune functions, as well as other health benefits.

“Keeping a healthy lifestyle, which starts with eating a well-balanced diet to get the right amounts of important nutrients and vitamins, is important to help maintain a healthy immune system. One of these important nutrients is Vitamin C, which has been featured in supplements due to its promising properties,” Catriona said.

As a model, singer, and beauty pageant titleholder, known for her healthy lifestyle choices and as a fitness inspiration for all, Catriona Gray encourages everyone to get that extra dose of Vitamin C as she joins the Santé family as the new brand ambassador of Daily C.

Santé’s Daily C is your go-to Vitamin C supplement for the whole family, as well as young professionals who work all-day or on night shifts. And since it is non-acidic, it is gentler on the stomach and safer for daily consumption.

This time, Santé Daily C now has an exciting new look and an additional variant. Aside from its Daily C 500mg which has been in the market for over 5 years, Santé also introduces Daily C in 750mg, a bigger serving of the trusted Daily C – ascorbic acid as sodium ascorbate, now in vegetable capsules.

Daily C provides an extra dose of Vitamin C, which not only aids the immune system but also prevents scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency); an extra level of protection by enhancing the absorption of iron and the formation of collagen in our bodies; as well as an extra aid in speeding the process of wound healing.

“Now more than ever, it is important for all of us to take good care of our health and overall wellbeing. I’m glad that I am able to promote this mindset as the newest brand ambassador for Santé Daily C,” said Catriona.

Joey Marcelo could not agree more. He said that “amid these uncertain times, we all need to take extra precautions. We are glad that we have our country’s pride, Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, as our new brand ambassador for Daily C as we encourage everyone to keep themselves healthy and strong, especially amid the current global health crisis.”

Santé Daily C is just one of the many other organic health and wellness products offered by Santé. Known for its flagship, Santé Barley™, the company has developed a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are made with organic barley grass, as certified by BioGro, New Zealand’s leading organic certification agency.

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at http://www.santebarley.com/.

Live a Heart-Healthy Life with Potassium

With high blood pressure and heart disease as the leading causes of death globally, proper intake of vitamins and supplements such as potassium is the easiest and most convenient way to counter heart problems.

Here are things you can easily follow to steer clear from an unhealthy heart:

Move it. No matter how much you weigh, sitting for long periods of time could shorten your lifespan. If you work at a desk, remember to take regular breaks to move around. Go for a quick stroll during your lunch break as taking a daily half-hour walk is even better for your physical and mental health.

Avoid processed food. Processed food tends to be high in sodium, and low in potassium. On the other hand, homemade meals are usually lower in sodium and higher in potassium. To avoid serious heart problems, consider buying more fresh produce and making meals at home.

Take a potassium supplement. Potassium, a mineral found in bananas, milk, and oranges, plays an important role in keeping us healthy. This mineral is crucial for everyone, and disrupting optimal body levels of it can be very dangerous. Increasing potassium through diet is recommended in adults with blood pressure above 120/80 who are otherwise healthy.

But for those who do not have much time to prepare healthy meals, a potassium supplement is available OTC to make it convenient to achieve the required daily dose.

Neutra K is a simpler, better, and easier way to meet a person’s potassium needs. The Philippines’ first potassium food supplement with no prescription needed, Neutra K is sourced from one of the world’s leading producers of natural ingredients. The potassium in Neutra K is non-acidic, has no artificial flavors and preservatives, and effectively promotes a more regulated acidity in the body to prevent the potential ill-effects of prolonged imbalance.

Taking Neutra K tablets twice a day – one during breakfast and another during dinner – makes it more convenient to stay healthy. Neutra K is available in 300 mg tablets, in boxes of 100 or 12, exclusively in Mercury Drugstore branches nationwide.

First OTC Potassium Food Supplement Launched

To boost overall wellness and help maintain healthy day-to-day productivity, Neutra K, the country’s first potassium food supplement with no prescription needed was recently launched. Proudly Philippine-made, without artificial flavors and preservatives, Neutra K uses non acidic potassium that is sourced from one of the world’s leading producers of natural ingredients. Potassium is an essential mineral that regulates fluid and mineral balance in and out of body cells, and functions as an electrolyte and helps regulate the body’s nerve signals and muscle contractions. Neutra K is FDA-approved and comes in 300 mg film-coated tablets. It is available exclusively in all Mercury Drugstore branches nationwide in boxes of 100 or boxes of 12. In photo (L-R): Nutra Tech Biopharma’s Holly Ann Ramos, Vince Velasco, Paracelsus Life Sciences Corporation president Elizabeth Lietz, Oxford Distributions’ Lito Anzures Jr., and Neutra K brand manager Angelito Zabala.

Filipino Triathletes on Triathlon, Training, and Beyond

At first glance, triathlon looks intimidating but, who wouldn’t when you have to bike, swim, and run all in one event?  Some triathletes even consider the sport as an ultimate endurance challenge, requiring not only the gear but also strenuous training.

The multi-discipline sport, however, didn’t seem to faze Sheilla Gagui, Louie Sangalang, Philip Le Roux, and Mervin Santiago, members the Santé Barley Tri-Team, who are conquering the grueling world of it.

So how exactly did the four triathletes got into the sport? And what does a typical training look like for them?

Sheila Gagui, mom of 2

“It was my friend who invited me [to do triathlon.] I just gave birth to my second son when my friend told me she wanted to do triathlon, but she didn’t have someone to do it with. She knew that I was a swimmer before, so she told me that there was a swimming event that I can join. After that, I start doing short distance races like Super Sprint Triathlon. From there, I looked for a coach and started training.

Training is every day for me. I train twice a day, then I squeeze in some gym day. For the morning, it’s either swim and bike or swim and run. I finish it off by going to the gym.

For Olympic, three months is usually enough for me. But if you want to really excel in a particular race, it’s not just the length but also the quality of the training that you put in. You have to do a lot of sprints, you’ll time yourself all the time.”

Philip Le Roux, missionary

“I first got into running because I was overweight. I was really fat—I used to weigh 250kg—so I decided to lose some. After a month, I realized it’s actually nice. You start losing weight quickly and decide maybe I’ll continue running. I started joining races, increased my distances, and joined marathons.

I was studying in the UK when my family and I decided to go to the Philippines 10 years ago. I then started a blog called ‘Foreign Runner’ where I got to meet fellow bloggers. One blogger, in particular, asked me if I wanted to join a triathlon, and the rest is history.

Since I live in Agutaya in Palawan, training is difficult since we don’t have a road to run and bike on, so I’m doing everything indoors. I have my own gym. I’ve got a bike trainer. I do everything indoors.

When it’s offseason, I’ve got a maintenance program that my trainer [Don Velasco] gives me. Mondays are my off days. Tuesdays, I do short brick [training.] Wednesdays, I run. Thursdays and Fridays, I swim. Saturdays, I bike. Sundays, I brick. My shortest training is an hour and my longest is three hours a day.

During races, it changes. It obviously depends what you train for. For Iron Man, it gets hectic and long. In the beginning, it would be 10-12 hours a week. We end off with at least 20-25 hours a week.”

Louie Sangalang, multi-sport athlete

“I took a break from martial arts and decided to get myself into an activity that’s a bit intense. In my case, I get bored easily when I don’t feel tired. So, I told myself that since I was already mountain-biking and running, ‘swimming na lang, then triathlon na.’” I was very intrigued with this sport since I saw how people trained for it. I noticed that there were a lot of executives and entrepreneurs. I realized there must be something that attracts that kind of profile to the sports.

For training, it really depends on the race. For a half-Ironman or for an Olympic distance, training has to be every day and then you do different disciplines per day. I usually do two disciplines a day. It’s either I run and bike or run and swim.

I also do weights once a week since I eat lot when preparing for triathlons. So, there’s really a tendency to gain [weight] once you stop. I think with triathlon, at least from my experience, it’s easier to carry yourself if you’re lighter. Though, I’ve noticed that some people, even if they’re heavier, they can carry themselves well.”

Mervin Santiago, coach

“I had my start at triathlon when I was in college around 2009 or 2010. I bike, and I also love running, but I didn’t know how to swim so I took a swimming lesson for my PE subject.

My training is based on what race I am preparing for. I spend three hours a day training for short distance triathlons, and five to six hours a day for longer ones. For Olympic, I usually prepare for two months; three months for 70.3; and six months for a full Ironman.

I train twice a day during the morning and afternoon. Let’s say I swim in the morning, then I bike in the afternoon. I just interchange the three sports [swimming, biking, and running.]

Since I work as a coach, I try to follow my students’ program but mine is harder. I do this, so I can train even when I’m busy. During offseasons, I usually go to the gym for base training, and core exercise for building the muscles so when race season starts, I’m not prone to injury.”

The Santé Barley Tri-team is a triathlon team founded by Joey Marcelo, CEO of Santé. The team that has been competing individually and as a group in major triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and running events with podium finishes in local and international competitions.

The company believes that optimal health is not only achieved through proper nutrition but also by participating in various sports events.

Santé Kicks Off the Annual Business Conference 2018

Santé recently held its Annual Business Conference (ABC) 2018, entitled The Big Shift: Building a Future-Proof Business on August 30 at the Bayanihan Center, Pioneer Avenue in Pasig City. It was attended by more than 500 leaders and entrepreneurs.

“We are happy to hold the Annual Business Conference with speakers who get to share their expertise and experience to people who have the same interest in the business. This event marks our commitment to building a strong foundation for our business owners so they can grow with us,” said Joey Marcelo, CEO of Santé.

One of the prominent speakers present in the event is Jayson Lo, a best-selling author and entrepreneur, who talked about culture. He shared his experience with companies and how he helps them better understand the culture they belong in. Chinkee Tan, a wealth coach, author, TV, and radio personality, also gave insights on being an influencer. The keynote speaker during ABC is internationally-acclaimed best-selling author and world-renowned trainer in direct selling, Tom ‘Big Al’ Schreiter, who talked about leadership.

Other presenters during the conference include Randell Tiongson, finance coach, best-selling author, and column writer; Eugene Sugian, digital marketing whiz kid; Alexine Sy, radio DJ and social media influencer; and Dodong Cacanando, motivational and business leadership speaker. They delved on the topic of finance, digital marketing, personal branding, and entrepreneurial, respectively.

“Education is a lifetime process. The things we know in the past may not be applicable today. As a progressive company, we want to make it a point to continously enhance the skill levels of our business owners,” said Marcelo. “Our objective for them is to compete globally. That is why we continue to search for new trends in the industry that are applicable to our business.”

Paul Caluag, Chief Network Development Officer of Santé added that, “the Annual Business Conference’s purpose is to really educate and empower business owners. We want to give them more information … We impart them with knowledge, then we provide avenues for them to convert this knowledge to ability.”

Santé’s Annual Business Conference started in 2015 and has since then been a highly anticipated event among Santé entrepreneurs. ABC is part of Santé’s Engage training series.

To know more about Santé International and their exciting natural products, visit their website at https://main.santebarley.com

The Wonders of Malunggay in a Capsule!

Malunggay leaves are great sources of Vitamin A, B-Vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron. What’s more, the leaves are also rich in sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cystine.

Due to its high content of potent antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E, Malunggay is an outstanding neutralizer of unstable free-radicals that can react with and damage other molecules. Antioxidants diminish wrinkles and fine lines associated with aging. They may also prevent the onset of various chronic disorders like arthritis, cancer and heart and kidney diseases.

Malunggay is widely considered a “wonder vegetable” because of its immense nutritional value. It helps promote good eyesight and digestion. It may also provide help in cases of scurvy, asthma, earache and headaches.

And due to its exceptional calcium content, it is consumed by lactating mothers to produce more milk  to feed their babies. That’s why Malunggay is referred to as “Mother’s Best Friend”.

Now you can get all the health-giving benefits of Malunggay without the hassle of gathering leaves and preparing dishes. EACH CAPSULE OF ATIENZA NATURALE CONTAINS 500mg OF PURE AND FRESH MALUNGGAY so you get only the nutrients and minerals that will give your body the health boost and protection it needs.

THE POWER OF MALUNGGAY IN A CAPSULE!

Each capsule of Atienza Naturale Malunggay Capsule  contains Vitamins, Iron, Calcium and Antioxidants.

WHAT MAKES MALUNGGAY THE WONDER GULAY?

• Its leaves are good sources of iron, calcium, ascorbic acid and phosphorus.
• Malunggay can help lower blood pressure, aid in relieving pain caused by rheumatism, headache and migraines.
• Malunggay is an anti-tumor plant rich in very potent antioxidants which may help prevent the onset of various chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer and heart and kidney diseases.
• Internal organs are said to benefit from malunggay, good for treating liver and spleen problems and for joint pains.
• Malunggay is a proven “Galactogogue”, valuable for lactating women as it helps stimulate milk production for feeding babies.
• Malunggay has been extensively studied by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology with a stamp of approval and recommendation.
• In 2014, physicians at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) – Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center (OMMC)’s Department of Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Unit embarked on a landmark study presenting the potential use of malunggay as a natural alternative to standard preparations used for lowering and regulating blood sugar.  To ensure that the malunggay in the study was administered in standardized doses, the research team opted to use Atienza Naturale Malunggay Capsules, as it featured the purest form of the herb in a medium that could be taken conveniently. According to Doctors Rainier Nery Mozo and Imelda Caole-Ang, an extract derived from malunggay was instrumental in reducing Hemoglobin A1c, a key indicator in the level of blood glucose, in a control group of 60 patients at the OMMC.  The study showed a mean reduction of 0.6% in the blood glucose of involved patients after regular dosage of malunggay capsules.

  

OTHER INFORMATION:

• VCAPS – Atienza Naturale Malunggay Capsule is encapsulated in vegetable capsules not in animal based substances.
• Each capsule contains 500mg. of pure and fresh Malunggay leaves.
• US FDA Facility Reg. No.: 17069452532
• FDA LTO No.: RDI-MM-FW-5253
• Avaialble at all Mercury Drugstores and other leading drugstores nationwide.

*This is Press Release