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Are the supplements you consume truly safe for you?

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.

Published

8 months ago

July 15, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

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.

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.

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.

Related Topics:health Herbalife nutrition wellness

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Sarap ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods

Purefoods helps families celebrate cherished traditions, new additions this holiday season.

Published

3 months ago

December 19, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

In a country of more than 7,600 islands, Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated in many ways, varying across the regions through traditions that have remained through generations, along with new iterations that reflect the growing diversity among Filipino families.

Today’s Christmas celebrations in Filipino households range from grand gatherings among extended families, along with OFW households, dual-income no kids (DINKs) couples, single parents, and same-gender partners who are marking the season in their own meaningful way. Through it all, the desire to gather, to share, and to connect remains at the heart of each celebration.

Feast for Filipino families

This holiday season, Purefoods recognizes both the traditions that have been passed down through generations, along with the new meaningful ones that we create along the way. Around the Noche Buena table, families remember the Christmases past, while embracing the present, and celebrating what brings them together.

Whether its recipes that have been handed down through many generations, or new dishes to celebrate the joy of togetherness, Purefoods provides a wide range of products to make every holiday meal more memorable.

As a legacy brand with generations-long trusted consistency in quality and taste, Purefoods products have long been a part of occasions that matter most to Filipino families. The different Purefoods products help make homecooked Noche Buena feasts easier and more enjoyable. What’s more, the products are easily available in supermarkets, groceries, and markets to support different regional traditions and unique family celebrations across the country.

As part of its mission to spread Christmas cheer, Purefoods turned the homecoming of OFWs into a full-blown holiday celebration this December, taking center stage at the newly refreshed Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 just as its new facilities officially opened. Seizing this landmark moment, the “Sarap ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods” installation at the Arrival area and a dazzling LED display at the new Mezzanine Food Hall transformed the terminal into a festive gateway home, filling arrivals with warmth, joy, and inspiration to create new Christmas memories with their loved ones through food.

Food that is lovingly prepared and joyfully shared is at the core of every Christmas celebration. No matter how Filipino families celebrate, Purefoods helps bring the joy of the season to every table.

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Christmas reunions made more joyful with Magnolia Chicken Timplados, #SarapMadeEasy

Magnolia Chicken Timplados makes meals that are easy to prepare and comes in flavorful options, removing the stress out of meal preparation. Just cook and it’s ready to be served in minutes.

Published

3 months ago

December 1, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

With the Christmas season in, one of the most anticipated moments for many people is the Christmas reunion – a time when family and friends gather to celebrate and reconnect. However, the idea of preparing a delicious Christmas feast can be overwhelming and can lead to stress. Between planning the menu, grocery shopping, and cooking, it’s easy to feel like the holidays are more about hustle than a joyful celebration.

That is why Magnolia Chicken Timplados makes meals that are easy to prepare and comes in flavorful options, removing the stress out of meal preparation. Just cook and it’s ready to be served in minutes! Whether it’s Fried Chicken or Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken, it is made with quality, real chicken, that’s sure to win hearts at any Christmas reunion feast, bringing families and friends together over meals filled with joy, flavor, and festive warmth.

Fried Chicken: Magnolia Fried Chicken delivers golden, delicious and crispy goodness right to your Christmas table. A classic favorite because it is simple yet celebratory, Magnolia Fried Chicken captures the heart of Christmas cooking: togetherness, indulgence, and the joy of sharing something made with love. It is perfect for family feasts or holiday get-togethers with friends because it’s pre-marinated, just coat with breading and deep fry. It saves a lot of time and energy, keeping your cooking hassle-free.

Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken: What better way to enjoy the holidays than by savoring an aromatic, hearty roasted chicken? Magnolia Smoked Pepper Roasted Chicken brings a classic favorite to an entirely new level! What makes it special is its bold yet balanced flavor – the smoky aroma mingling with sweet, caramelized skin, the sharp bite of pepper meeting the natural richness of roast chicken. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for entertaining guests. There’s no need to worry about the tiresome task of seasoning the chicken and marinating overnight, as it can be cooked straight in the oven or air fryer. It is a special delight for everyone to enjoy, especially during gatherings around the table with loved ones.

With ready to cook Magnolia Chicken Timplados, it’s possible to enjoy a delectable holiday meal without the chaos of traditional cooking. Sarap Super Moms and Timplanners can spend less time worrying about the kitchen, leaving more time to create happy and unforgettable moments to cherish with loved ones.

Lasapin ang #SarapMadeEasy meals this Christmas with Magnolia Chicken Timplados! #CountlessMomentsEndlessGoodness

To learn more about Magnolia Ready-to-Cook Chicken Timplados, visit magnoliachicken.com or follow Magnolia Chicken on social media.

Product Showcase

Sip the magic of Christmas with Seattle’s Best S’mores Ghirardelli Collection

Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.

Published

4 months ago

November 12, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

There’s something about S’mores that brings people together—melting chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and moments that feel like home. This holiday season, Seattle’s Best Coffee and Ghirardelli are turning that warmth into a cup with the S’mores Collection Made with Ghirardelli. Each drink captures the comforting spirit of Christmas with rich chocolate indulgence and a touch of sweetness that feels like a cozy holiday hug.

Starting November 2025, chocolate lovers can indulge in this limited-edition collection in Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

What Makes the S’mores Collection Special?

A Taste of Comfort – Inspired by the familiar joy of S’mores, each drink blends marshmallow sweetness, velvety chocolate, and bold coffee warmth for that fireside feeling—no campfire needed.

Premium Collaboration – Made with Ghirardelli’s signature chocolate and Seattle’s Best bold espresso, delivering a smooth, indulgent coffee experience that feels festive and luxurious.

Crafted for Every Craving – From hot to iced to blended, there’s a S’mores drink for every holiday mood, perfect for sharing cozy moments or treating yourself to something special.

Find Your Perfect Holiday Match

Whether you’re sipping by the tree, catching up with friends, or gifting yourself a well-deserved break, there’s a S’mores Collection drink for every kind of Christmas craving.

Hot S’mores Ghirardelli – Cozy up with this comforting blend of Ghirardelli chocolate powder, rich espresso, and creamy marshmallow meringue, topped with a dark chocolate drizzle and crushed graham cracker. It’s Christmas warmth in a cup.

Iced S’mores Ghirardelli – A refreshing yet indulgent twist that combines bold espresso, Ghirardelli chocolate, and half & half over ice, finished with marshmallow meringue and a graham cracker crunch.

S’mores Javakula – A frozen holiday treat that blends Ghirardelli chocolate, marshmallow meringue, dark chocolate sauce, and graham cracker bits, perfect for cooling down while staying in the holiday spirit.

Make Your Holidays Sweeter

The Seattle’s Best Coffee x Ghirardelli S’mores Collection is available for a limited ti

me in all Seattle’s Best Coffee stores nationwide and via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Indulge in the rich, chocolatey comfort of the holidays—warm, bold, and oh-so-delightful with every sip of Seattle’s Best Coffee’s S’mores Collection.