Page 31 - FoodFocusThailand No.245 September 2026

SPECIAL FOCUS

The word “natural” does not always No single food or compound can halt ageing, but diets can be designed to slow
mean safe, as concentrated extracts may decline and preserve health for longer—through adequate protein combined with
deliver far higher amounts than normal physical activity, fiber and fermented foods to support gut health, high-quality fats,
consumption of the plant. Vitamins and and balanced nutritional fundamentals. Consumers should ask whether a product
minerals also have upper limits of daily provides a sufficient amount of its active ingredient, whether it is supported by
intake, and consuming several products human evidence, whether it is safe for them, and whether it can be consumed
at once may lead to unintentional excess. consistently. For manufacturers, long-term success lies in aligning science, efficacy,
Furthermore, some dietary supplements safety, and consumer experience. That is the path of Food for Longevity—one
may interact with drugs, particularly in that supports both consumer health and sustainable business growth.
older adults taking multiple medications.
Equally important is the safety of the
information communicated: claims More Information Service Info C002
such as “reverse ageing” or “detoxify cells”
may lead consumers to interpret beyond
the evidence, resulting in overuse or
discontinuation of necessary medication.
It should be remembered that dietary
supplements are not drugs.

Opportunities for Thai
Ingredients: The Positive List
The Thai Food and Drug Administration
has established a positive list of health
claims that have been pre-evaluated
against scientific evidence. Information
published in 2025 states that the list
covers 36 substances or ingredients
and 147 permitted claim statements.
Operators whose substance, dose,
wording, and conditions conform to the
list may use the relevant claims without
case-by-case claim assessment, while
still complying with applicable labeling,
advertising, and legal requirements. This
mechanism can reduce the cost and time
required to bring products to market while
making scientific evidence and safety
part of the infrastructure that supports
innovation (Thai FDA, 2025).
High-GABA banana is a useful
case study that links these elements.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter
found naturally in some foods, including
bananas, and may increase its content
through appropriately controlled
postharvest or fermentation processes.
However, detecting GABA in an ingredient
does not automatically authorize
relaxation or sleep-related claims. Before
commercialization, operators must verify
whether the substance, product, dose,
and intended claim wording conform to
the current positive list. If they do not,
appropriate evidence must be prepared,
and authorization sought through the
applicable process. GABA content,
stability, sensory quality, and safety must
also be controlled throughout shelf life.

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