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After years of watching pet supplement aisles explode with dubious promises and flashy labels, veterinarians are finally cutting through the noise. The question isn’t if your dog needs supplements anymore; it’s which ones actually work, and which ones are backed by science rather than marketing budgets.
Spending time with veterinary researchers and practitioners reveals a consistent pattern: the supplements they recommend for their own dogs often differ dramatically from those that dominate retail shelves. Here’s what’s actually making it into veterinary clinics and onto the recommendation lists of professionals who’ve seen the research firsthand.
The most significant shift in veterinary supplementation is related to gut health. Digestive health has emerged as a cornerstone of canine wellness, with mounting evidence showing connections between gut microbiome balance and everything from immune function to behavior.
“Probiotics introduce good bacteria into a dog’s gut, helping to reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery of their gut microbiome,” explains Dr. Jan Suchodolski, professor at Texas A&M Gastrointestinal Lab. His research has fundamentally changed how veterinarians approach digestive issues, moving beyond simply treating symptoms to actively rebuilding gut flora.
But here’s where most dog owners get it wrong: dumping probiotics into your dog’s bowl without considering their diet is like planting seeds in concrete. Suchodolski emphasizes that the best results come with fiber-rich food to foster good bacteria. The probiotics need something to feed on, and that’s where dietary fiber becomes crucial. Think of it as creating a hospitable environment rather than just adding tenants.
Veterinarians are now recommending probiotics not just for dogs with active digestive issues, but as preventative care, particularly after antibiotic treatments, during stressful periods like boarding or travel, or for senior dogs whose gut microbiomes naturally decline with age.
While gut health represents the new frontier, joint supplements remain the most prescribed category in veterinary medicine, and for good reason. The difference now is that veterinarians have decades of clinical data backing their recommendations, along with a clearer understanding of what actually works.
“Glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy cartilage, shock absorption, and joint function, especially important for large-breed dogs,” states Dogs Inc. veterinary experts, noting these as top supplements. The science here isn’t new, but the application has become more sophisticated. Veterinarians now emphasize starting supplementation before problems become visible, particularly in breeds predisposed to joint issues.
Bernadine Cruz, DVM, frames it in practical terms: “Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are building blocks of normal articular cartilage… they will keep other joints healthy.” This preventative approach represents a paradigm shift, treating joint health like dental care, something you maintain rather than fix after it breaks.
Modern joint formulas have evolved beyond simple glucosamine and chondroitin combinations. Research shows that comprehensive formulas containing glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, ASU, and hyaluronic acid “can protect and heal cartilage, improve the amount and quality of joint fluid, and reduce inflammation and pain.” These multi-ingredient approaches address joint health from multiple angles simultaneously, which clinical trials suggest produces superior outcomes to single-ingredient supplements.
The challenge for dog owners is finding ones that address root causes rather than masking symptoms. This is where platforms like Pup Labs have carved out a distinct position in the supplement space, focusing on targeted formulations backed by scientifically-studied ingredients.
Rather than offering generic multivitamins or one-size-fits-all wellness blends, Pup Labs takes a problem-specific approach. Their K9 Belly Bliss directly addresses the gut health concerns veterinarians now prioritize, combining prebiotics and probiotics specifically formulated to repair gut walls and improve nutrient absorption. It’s the kind of targeted intervention that aligns with current veterinary thinking on microbiome health.
For joint issues, Pup Labs focuses on what veterinarians identify as a frequently overlooked problem: synovial drying. Their Joint Support formula aims to rebuild cartilage and ligaments while addressing the root cause of joint discomfort, not just managing pain. This aligns with the preventative, multi-faceted approach that veterinary research now supports.
The platform extends beyond the traditional gut-and-joint supplement duo that dominates veterinary recommendations. ProDenta tackles dental hygiene—an area where many dog owners struggle with compliance—using a powder format designed to combat bad breath, reduce plaque, and support healthy gums without the battle of daily brushing.
The company also addresses common quality-of-life issues that drive many veterinary visits: their Skin & Coat Support focuses on soothing itchy skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy fur growth by addressing underlying causes rather than superficial symptoms.
What sets this approach apart is the emphasis on root-cause solutions rather than symptomatic relief. Dog owners looking for veterinary-grade formulations can explore these options at www.puplabs.com, where the focus remains on scientifically-studied ingredients addressing specific health concerns.
The veterinary consensus on supplementation in 2026 comes down to three core principles: address specific needs with evidence-based products, focus on prevention rather than correction, and prioritize quality over marketing claims.
For most dogs, this means considering probiotics for gut health maintenance and joint supplements for breeds or individuals at risk for mobility issues. Everything else should be discussed with your veterinarian based on your dog’s specific health profile, not the latest trend in the pet wellness space.
The supplement conversation has matured beyond whether dogs need them into a more nuanced discussion about which dogs benefit from which supplements, when to start, and how to measure effectiveness. The smartest approach remains the simplest: ask your vet what they’d give their own dog, look for products with veterinary backing, and remember that supplements should supplement—not substitute for—proper nutrition and care.
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Matcha, or powdered green tea, has been a staple in Japan for around 800 years, but over the past decade, the West has become pretty obsessed with it, too. In the U.S., classic matcha lattes are permanent menu items at coffee shop chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Peet’s, and they’re also pretty easy to find in independent cafes. Over in Europe, matcha lattes are just as common, with most coffee chains (including European Starbucks) offering classic and limited-edition matcha drinks.
One popular and inexpensive coffee purveyor, however, is woefully lacking in matcha, and that’s McDonald’s. Even in Japan, its matcha drinks are limited-edition only, and you won’t find a creamy matcha latte on the permanent menu. In fact, there’s currently only one lucky country in the entire world that has year-round access to McDonald’s matcha drinks, and that’s Australia.
McDonald’s — known Down Under as Macca’s — brought three matcha drinks to its Australian menu in October 2025 following a limited trial earlier in the year. These drinks are the Matcha Latte (hot), the Matcha Iced Latte, and the Strawberry Matcha Iced Latte. They’re available with different milk types, like oat, and they’re a big hit among Macca’s fans (not unlike the chain’s Big Brekkie Burger, which is only available in Australia).
Since McDonald’s introduced matcha items to its Australian menu “after huge fan demand,” according to a press release, there could still be hope for the rest of us. Social media is likely the best way to let the chain know that your country would like to try its matcha offerings.
For now, though, the best way to get your hands on an inexpensive matcha drink is to make it yourself — and it’s not as difficult as you might think. You may have seen videos of baristas making fancy matcha lattes with special bamboo whisks and temperature-regulated water and thought the process looked a little out of your league. Luckily, a traditional matcha preparation isn’t really necessary for a quick drink. You don’t need to buy the most expensive brand, either, or check whether or not the matcha’s packaging says “ceremonial grade.”
For an easy and inexpensive latte, all you need is some matcha powder from your local Asian supermarket. You can buy pre-sweetened versions like Starbucks uses or buy pure matcha and add the sugar (or other sweetener) yourself.
Much like coffee, there are both easy and highly complicated ways to make matcha. Fortunately, you don’t have to follow all the fancy rules to get a drink you enjoy. To start with, each drink only needs a small amount of matcha powder, though you’ll need to give it a whisk to break up any lumps. Next, mix it thoroughly with a small amount of hot (but not boiling) water. Whisking until the matcha foams up is totally optional, so the whole process can be done in just a few seconds.
Once you have a lump-free matcha mixture, add it to whatever milk you’re using — hot foamed oat milk, cold milk, frappe-style crushed ice and milk — anything goes. I usually pour it right into my milk frother while it’s heating my oat milk.
Few people drink unsweetened matcha lattes because the taste can get pretty intense, so make sure to add your sweetener of choice, either to your milk, your matcha mixture, or to the finished drink. If you want to make a copycat of Macca’s Strawberry Matcha Latte, there are also quite a few easy ways to add a hint of strawberry flavor to your matcha.
If you’ve heard about the benefits of resveratrol, you know it’s a powerhouse antioxidant you want more of; but we may not be getting enough naturally. The best resveratrol supplement, it turns out, can be a more precise way to get the amount necessary to make a clinical difference. “Many consumers believe that an effective dose of resveratrol can be achieved through diet or by drinking red wine,” says board certified cardiologist and founder of Heart-Tech Health Suzanne Steinbaum, DO, MD. “But to reach a typical supplemental dose of resveratrol—about 250 mg—would require consuming over 1,000 glasses of red wine.”
The good news is that the best resveratrol supplements can help fill in any nutritional gaps so you can reap the benefits. Resveratrol isn’t just a powerhouse antioxidant in skincare; it’s also the key to supercharging your defenses against free radicals responsible for cellular aging throughout the body. It’s often associated with giving red wine its heart-healthy benefits—commonly referred to as the French paradox—resveratrol has gained a lot of attention for its promising effects that support health through multiple biological pathways. “Research indicates that it activates sirtuins and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)—often referred to as the body’s metabolic master switch,” explains Dr. Steinbaum. “This activation enhances fatty acid oxidation, improves mitochondrial function, and increases NAD+ levels which collectively support heart, brain, immune, and metabolic health, as well as a balanced inflammatory response.” Plus, while more extensive trials are needed, a small, promising new study from the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai unveiled that the combination of resveratrol and copper supplements reduced the aggressiveness of glioblastoma brain tumors in patients. The study shows that resveratrol can act as a DNA-damaging agent by creating an oxidative environment that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when paired with copper ions—a breakthrough find that could revolutionize cancer treatment in the future.
While we do love a glass of red wine, we spoke to a top cardiologist and registered dietitian to whittle down everything you need to know about resveratrol, including the five best resveratrol supplements to consider.
Resveratrol is a phytonutrient called a polyphenol. “Polyphenols are natural antioxidant compounds found in plant foods that provide a variety of health benefits,” says Dr. Steinbaum. “Plants produce resveratrol as a defense against stress, pathogens, and UV damage.” Resveratrol occurs naturally in a few plants so you can get a small dose from your diet. “Since it is an antioxidant, think purple-blue hues like red and purple grapes, blueberries, and cranberries, as well as peanuts, pistachios, dark chocolate, and Japanese knotweed,” says Shapiro.
Resveratrol can be a topical as well as oral format. “I like to think of topical resveratrol as local protection, it works where you place it,” says Shapiro. “And oral resveratrol as a more systemic support.” In skincare, resveratrol functions as a powerful antioxidant, helping to prevent damage and neutralize free radicals. “This can support brighter looking skin, help to prevent wrinkles, protect collagen and reduce signs of aging,” says Shapiro. “As a supplement, resveratrol works systemically to decrease inflammation, boost cardiovascular health, and decrease cellular aging.”
The Health Benefits of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals—which essentially helps slow down cellular aging. When taken as a supplement or from natural food sources, these antioxidants can help decrease oxidative stress, lower blood pressure, and more. Shapiro says that resveratrol is best known for its potential role in healthy aging. “It works at the cellular level over time, so it is not a quick fix but more of an ingredient for long haul benefits,” she says. According to research, the health benefits of resveratrol are many, a few of which Shapiro outlines below:
What are the benefits of taking resveratrol?
There are lots of benefits associated with taking resveratrol. “The most compelling research suggests that resveratrol can mimic the effects of calorie restriction through sirtuin activation,” says Dr. Steinbaum. “This mechanism delivers cardiometabolic benefits, supports healthy blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, and promotes a balanced inflammatory response.” By taking resveratrol as a supplement, Dr. Steinbaum says it works systemically by influencing cellular signaling pathways such as sirtuins (associated with healthy aging) and AMPK (associated with metabolic health).
What are the negative side effects of resveratrol?
According to Dr. Steinbaum, resveratrol is generally well-tolerated. However, if you typically have a sensitive stomach, you might want to steer clear of higher dosages. “At high doses, like above 500 mg, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or nausea,” says Dr. Steinbaum. As always, check with your doctor before starting any sort of supplementation.
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to registered dietitians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually recommend to their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to resveratrol, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients composition (i.e. the vitamins and minerals featured), form, dosage, clinical studies, certifications, and the body and wellbeing concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own tests of the supplements with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Julia Winkels, owner of Matchasome, a matcha specialty cafe, in December 2025. Photo: Jiji Press
In addition to the popularity of matcha lattes and ice cream, there is also growing public interest in the traditional way matcha is served.
While this is good news for Japanese tea farmers, the high demand has led to the circulation of low-quality, foreign-made matcha.
Matchasome, a matcha specialty cafe, is located in a Berlin neighborhood popular among young people.
One of its most popular drinks is the banana bread matcha, a matcha latte with a banana flavor.
Customers make long lines outside the cafe in the summertime, according to its owner, Julia Winkels, 47.
In 2022, Winkels opened the cafe with the hope of offering an appealing, high-quality matcha brand, an idea she developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cafe pays attention to the aesthetic preferences of younger generations when designing its interior and products.
It also offers matcha infused with nutritional supplements for older customers.
Recently, it introduced a stone mill to meet the demand of customers seeking an authentic matcha experience.
Winkels pointed out that matcha is now a strong rival to coffee.
Matchasome is planning to open new outlets, including locations in Hamburg and Munich.
Japan’s matcha exports have grown sharply, reaching 6,889 tons in January-October 2025, three times the level prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the supply of matcha is falling short of demand, which has become a social issue in the United States and Europe.
Meanwhile, the production of matcha tea leaves is spreading outside of Japan.
Antje Kuhnle, a 38-year-old former winemaker in France, began growing tea leaves on the outskirts of Berlin in 2023.
In the face of declining wine consumption, Kuhnle believes that matcha has a brighter future than wine.
With few precedents to follow, Kuhnle is working through trial and error to start shipping tea leaves in 2026.
Among foreign-grown tea leaves, however, there are fake products, including those labeled as having been grown in Uji, a famous tea-producing region in Kyoto Prefecture, western Japan.
Reporting on this situation, The New York Times has argued that the tradition of matcha has been disgraced by “disharmony, disrespect, impurity and fraud” in just a few years.
“It’s frustrating,” said Nobuko Sugai, the 68-year-old head of the Urasenke Tankokai Berlin Association, a tea culture organization in the German capital. “We need to pass on the tradition correctly.”
The Berlin association now plans to offer authentic tea ceremony experiences and produce a German publication on the history of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Dr Neetu Kumra Taneja, Food Microbiologist and Biotechnologist, Associate Professor (Microbiology) and Associate Head Centre for Food Research and Analysis (CFRA), NIFTEM, Kundli
Are traditional fermented foods enough for gut health today?
They can be often very helpful but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Traditional fermented foods (curd/yoghurt, kefir, lassi, fermented vegetables) supply live microbes, fermented metabolites and food matrix benefits (fiber, vitamins, peptides) that can modify the gut microbiome and improve bowel function and some health outcomes. Eating traditional fermented foods regularly is a low risky way to support gut health especially as part of a fiber-rich diet but may not replace targeted therapeutic approaches for specific clinical conditions.
Does India need daily supplementation or only therapeutic usage?
Most Indians do not universally require daily probiotic supplements, dietary approaches should come first, although targeted supplementation is appropriate for specific conditions or populations. Promote fermented foods and prebiotic fibers broadly; reserve daily probiotic supplements for therapeutic uses or when a clinician recommends them.
What do you think most Indians prefer right now? Curd or a capsule?
Curd/yoghurt (and fermented foods/drinks) remain more commonly consumed, but supplement use is the fastest-growing segment. If you’re designing an intervention or product in India, fermented-food formats reach broader audiences and supplements are attractive to niche/urban markets and growth investors.
Is curd/yogurt clinically comparable to a probiotic capsule?
Yes, sometimes for certain outcomes and no for others. It depends on strain, dose, product viability and the clinical endpoint. For general gut wellness, good-quality yogurt/curd helps and can be comparable; for targeted clinical therapy (specific strains/doses), capsules often offer better control.
Are CFU numbers just marketing?
No — CFU matters, but they’re only one part of the story and can be misused in marketing. A high CFU is meaningful if paired with proven strains, proper formulation, and clear shelf-life claims otherwise it can be marketing noise. One should look for (a) named strains, (b) clinical evidence for that strain/dose, and (c) a guaranteed CFU at end-of-shelf-life and not just a big CFU number on the label.
What format will dominate India in the next 5 years?
A mixed market, fermented foods and functional dairy will remain dominant in reach, while supplements and value-added functional beverages will grow fastest and gain market share in urban places.
Mainstream = food/dairy formats; fastest growth & investor interest = supplements and novel beverages.
Future of gut health — dairy + supplements coexist or compete?
Coexistence with complementary roles. Dairy and traditional ferments will continue as culturally embedded, affordable, daily strategies to support gut health. Supplements will grow as therapeutic, targeted, or convenience options.
Mansi Jamsudkar Padvekar
Everyone loves the comfort of a warm cup held between cold hands during winters.
As the temperatures drop and daylight shortens, hot teas offer more than just warmth—they provide a sense of calm and even immune support.
From easing sore throats to offering quiet moments during busy days, the right tea can feel like a small act of self-care during the coldest months.
Here are five soothing teas that are especially comforting in the winters:
Ginger tea is a winter staple known for its warming properties. It helps improve circulation, eases digestion, and relieve nausea.
Its natural spiciness gently warms the body from within, making it ideal for cold mornings or after heavy meals.
Chamomile is best known for its calming effects.
During winter, when stress and sleep disturbances often increase, chamomile tea can help relax the nervous system and tense body. Its mild, floral flavor feels gentle and comforting before bedtime.
Peppermint tea offers a refreshing warmth that clears congestion and soothes headaches. It helps relieve sinus pressure and supports digestion, making it a good option during winter colds.
Cinnamon tea has a naturally sweet, spicy aroma that feels festive; however, it helps regulate blood sugar levels and has antioxidant properties. Its warmth makes it especially comforting on chilly evenings.
Green tea provides gentle energy, improving metabolism and supporting immune health during flu season because of being rich in antioxidants, while offering a light, earthy warmth perfect for winters.
Winter teas are more than beverages, for many they are symbols of comfort and relaxation. Whether you seek calmness, immune support, or simple warmth, these soothing teas can make the colder months feel a little softer and warmer, one cup at a time.
Mecobalamin labeling mandatory from May 1
From May 1, all medicines, including complementary medicines containing vitamin B12 in the form of mecobalamin or comethylcobalamin, must reflect only the name ‘mecobalamin’ on the product label. Nutraceuticals are regulated as complementary medicines in Australia.
This is part of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) participation efforts in the International Harmonisation of Ingredient Names (IHIN) project, where medicinal ingredients with dual names are transitioned from dual-labeled to sole names.
The transition period for most dual-labeled ingredients started on May 1, 2023 and ends April 30, 2026, which means that products released from May 1, 2026, must show the sole name.
A search on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) database shows that the majority of vitamin B12 labeling transitions have been completed, with 411 results shown when mecobalamin was searched.
TGO 92 to be replaced by October 1

From October 1, 2026, the Therapeutic Goods Order No. 92 – Standard for labels of non-prescription medicines (TGO 92) will be ‘sunset’ or automatically revoked. These standards will need to be replaced with new rules before the sunset date.
TGO 92 relates to the kinds of information required to be included on the label of non-prescription medicines, including complementary medicines.
To prepare for the new rules, the TGA has started a public consultation on its proposed labelling changes. The consultation ends on February 24, 2026.
Some of the proposals include updating the substances and warnings that must be declared on medicine labels. These substances range from marine molluscs such as mussel, oyster, sepia, or squid oil, the preservative sulfites, to probiotics and postbiotics.
In the case of marine molluscs, the TGA is proposing to include in the product labelling the phrase ‘contains mollusc’ or ‘contains mollusc products’.
As for sulfites, the TGA is proposing to declare them as an inactive ingredient or excipient, regardless of concentration, so long as they are present. This is in response to concerns of sulfite sensitivity.
The TGA also proposed updating the requirements to clearly distinguish between live and non-viable biological active ingredients, such as probiotics and postbiotics.
Specifically, it has proposed to continue the current requirements in TGO 92 for probiotics, but the quantity of active ingredients that are “non-viable biological organisms” or postbiotics to be expressed as: “the number of non-viable organisms present per metric unit for liquids and powders and as the number of non-viable organisms present per dosage unit for other dosage forms.”
Another proposed change is to display the term “microgram” in full instead of “µg”, as the latter can be mistaken for ‘mg’. The exception is only when the term “microgram” does not fit on the label and is a label on a small, or a small or very small container, based on TGO 92 and TGO 91 standards, respectively.
The TGA is proposing a transition period of up to three years for the changed requirements, to align with the business cycle and allow manufacturers time to update their labels.
“We note that medicine labels are typically changed every three years as part of business-as-usual activities, allowing many changes to be made without exceptional costs,” the TGA said.
However, it proposed that complementary medicines with large solid oral dosage forms have a shorter transition period of two years, as a safety warning is needed sooner.
GACC Decree No. 280 to be implemented from June 1

Overseas manufacturers selling health supplements in China may be able to register their manufacturing facilities with the Chinese authorities directly from June 1.
This is because the General Administration of Customs of China will be implementing a new policy known as “Regulations on the Registration and Administration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Food (Decree No. 280)” from June 1.
This is expected to reduce the barrier to entry for overseas products, including health supplements.
At the moment, overseas health supplements manufacturers must undergo a government-recommended process to register their factories with GACC. This is part of the existing Decree No. 248, which will be replaced by Decree No. 280.
Under the new decree, only overseas manufacturers whose products fall under the “Catalogue of Foods that Require Official Recommendation Registration Letters” will need to undergo evaluation and secure a recommendation from their local competent authorities, such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration in the case of Australia.
The Catalogue, which is expected to contain “high-risk” foods such as dairy products, is not yet officially released.
However, it had been released for public consultation last January to February. Based on the public consultation documents, health foods, special dietary foods, unroasted coffee beans and cocoa beans, edible fats and oils were excluded from the Catalogue.
If health supplements remain omitted from the catalogue, overseas manufacturers will be able to process facility registrations directly with the GACC, without official recommendation letters from their home country’s competent authorities.
“If this Catalogue is formally implemented, the registration cycle and difficulty for related products entering the Chinese market are expected to be reduced, which would be a significant benefit for consumers and the market,” said Hangzhou-based regulatory consultancy CIRS.
In addition, Decree No. 280 states that products sold via cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) are exempt from registration requirements, which provides clarity to manufacturers selling into China via this route.
The new decree also provides an automatic renewal of overseas factories for another five years.
However, automatic renewal is not applicable for overseas manufacturers producing certain imported food categories, and they must renew their application three to 12 months before their existing registration expires. This list of products will be separately announced by the GACC.
All health supplements must be halal-certified from Oct. 17

From October 17, all health supplement products circulating in Indonesia must be halal-certified and must display the Indonesian halal logo on the packaging.
This follows the introduction of mandatory halal certification for Traditional Medicines, Quasi Drugs, and Health Supplement products that began in stages from October 17, 2021.
Halal certification is required for both local and foreign manufacturers selling in Indonesia.
This is part of the Indonesian authority’s plans to make halal certification mandatory for all products sold in the country, including food, beverages, cosmetics, health supplements, and pharmaceuticals.
The Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) has been set up to oversee the implementation of halal certification, and the certification process has been sped up by allowing online submission and monitoring of halal certification.
Health supplement industry body the Asosiasi Pengusaha Suplemen Kesehatan Indonesia (APSKI) pointed out that there could be instances where halal raw materials could be difficult to obtain. Examples include enzyme components, gelatin, and animal extracts.
There could also be a higher production cost as a result of replacing non-halal ingredients with halal alternatives and halal certification costs. Still, halal certification could offer business opportunities in the global halal market.
GMP, new product labeling for FFC mandatory from September 1

Japan is enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and new product labeling requirements for Foods with Function Claims (FFC) from September 1.
The GMP rule was first introduced in September 2024, and a two-year grace period was given.
All companies are required to comply with the GMP requirement, no matter the formats of their products. In Japan, FFCs are present in the form of conventional supplement formats like tablets, capsules, and powder to functional foods like chocolates and beverages.
The GMP requirement was added following the red yeast rice saga started by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical. Before this, only FFC in conventional supplement formats had to follow GMP standards.
At the same time, FFC manufacturers will have to follow a new set of labeling requirements from September 1.
For example, the term “Foods with Function Claims” should be printed at the top of the product’s front packaging.
The notification number of the FFC should also be indicated in an adjacent area. In Japan, all FFCs come with a notification number that follows an alphabet indicating the year. Products launched in 2015—the year the FFC framework was introduced—have their notification number starting with “A” and “J” for products launched last year.
The packaging of an FFC product should also state that it is different from Food for Specified Health Use (FOSHU) and that the government has not evaluated the product.
The product labeling should also state the potential interactions of its ingredients with pharmaceuticals and other active ingredients, as well as the risk of overdosing.
Stricter labeling for high caffeine, sugar alcohol products from Jan. 1

From Jan. 1, under the revised Enforcement Decree of the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods, all food and beverage products containing over 0.15 mg of guarana will have to come with a high caffeine warning label.
The warnings could be presented as “contains high caffeine” or “total caffeine content at XX mg’ or “XX mg caffeine content per serving”.
This is in response to concerns over excessive intake of caffeine from guarana products.
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has warned that guarana seeds can contain more caffeine than coffee beans, with some products containing over 200 mg of caffeine per serving.
There must also be a mandatory caution statement warning that the product is “not recommended for children, pregnant women, or people sensitive to caffeine.”
Similarly, from Jan. 1, products containing sugar alcohols, such as mannitol, xylitol, and maltitol as the main sweetener, will have to provide details on the content of the said sugar alcohol on the product packaging.
“This information must be located near the details of the other raw materials, and there must be a warning that excessive intake of this product may cause diarrhea,” the MFDS indicated.
An example of such a warning statement is “Sugar alcohol (D-sorbitol 4%, D-maltitol 10%). Excessive consumption of products containing sugar alcohols may cause diarrhoea if consumed.”
GMP or HACCP may be required for health supplements from September 1

Health supplements manufacturers in Vietnam may need to adhere to GMP or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) or equivalent standards from September 1.
This requirement may also apply to manufacturers producing medical nutritional foods, foods for special diets, food supplements, and nutritional products for children up to 36 months of age.
Aside from GMP and HACCP, manufacturers may also choose to follow other equivalent frameworks, such as the ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System, the International Food Standard (IFS), or the Global Standard for Food Safety (BRC), or the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000), or equivalent certification.
This is according to a draft proposal to amend Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP announced by the Vietnam Food Administration (VFA).
The Vietnamese authorities have been tightening the regulations of health food products following a series of scandals involving the large-scale production and trading of counterfeit health supplements and infant formula last year.
The proposals to amend Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP are aimed at addressing limitations and inadequacies related to self-declaration, registration of product declarations, advertising, and post-inspection, the VFA stated.
The proposals have also referenced the standards of the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, and China.
Aside from GMP or HACCP requirements, the VFA has proposed that food supplements would require product declaration registration.
At the moment, as food supplements are not clearly defined in Decree No. 15/2018/ND-CP, they are not included in the food groups requiring product declaration registration and belong to the group of pre-packaged processed foods that can be self-declared.
“This leads to situations where organizations and individuals declare the wrong product group, with many health supplements self-identifying as food supplements and self-declaring,” according to the VFA. “Furthermore, because advertising content is not required to be registered with the competent authority, businesses often exaggerate the features and benefits of their products.”
A major music star was unmasked on Sunday night’s edition of The Masked Singer. The secret celebrity had only just made their debut on the hit ITV singing competition, in which famous faces conceal their identity whilst performing pop classics as the viewers and judges Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross, Maya Jama and Mo Gilligan try to work out who they are.
In the new episode of the seventh series of the hit programme, fresh characters Arctic Fox, Conkers, Monkey Business Teabag, Toastie and Yak all prepared to take to the stage for the first time. After performing Breakfast At Tiffany’s by Deep Blue Something, Tea Bag ended up in the bottom two along with Yak and when the judges decided to save the latter, it was time for the famous unmasking.
After showing his face to viewers for the first time, it was revealed that the secret star was none other than Professor Green, the legendary rapper who has sold millions of albums and worked with fellow musicians like Emeli Sande, Lily Allen, and Example over the course of his career in the industry.
READ MORE: The Masked Singer star ‘absolutely gutted’ to cancel show over health setbackREAD MORE: Rita Ora’s US talk show appearance leaves Americans baffled as they ‘never heard of her’
Upon the unmasking, he told host Joel Dommett: “I can’t believe it, well I can believe it, but I can’t believe it. I thought people would have enjoyed the Tea-Bag. It was quite scary.” When asked how he felt about going out so early, Pro Green, whose real name is Stephen Manderson, admitted he was quite shocked because he knew most of the panel and still none of them guessed who he was.
He said: “Do you know what, I know four of the panel over the last fifteen years. I’ve seen all of them multiple times, and quite regularly at times, and none of them were anywhere near [guessing it was me].
“I was laughing behind the mask. I just thought surely one of them is going to get it. But no one guessed. I got a judge, a rugby player, Sir Trevor McDonald, but I think that was because of the clock; they thought The Ten O’clock News. “
In the first episode, The One Show star Alex Jones was unmasked as Disc Jockey following her performance of Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club. Mo guessed that it was radio legend Annie Mac, whilst Davina thought it might be Lioness Jill Scott, guest judge Anne-Marie was not present for the performance but guessed that it was “that bird on the cake show,”, meaning Dame Mary Berry. Jonathan guessed it was BBC Radio 2 star Sara Cox, and Maya Jama guessed Total Eclipse of the Heart songstress Bonnie Tyler, but evidently, all were incorrect.
Upon her unmasking, she told host Joel Dommett and the judges: “I have had a lot of fun. We love this programme, as a family, and I just thought, it would be a lot of fun and that to do it for my children would be wonderful. And it’s the most bizarre experience of my life! Thank you.” Emotionally dedicating her time on the programme, Alex, who is married to Charlie Thomson, said: “Teddy, Kit and Annie, this was for you. I hope that you’ve loved it.”
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 48, then closed out her time on the competition with an unmasked rendition of Pink Pony Club to massive applause from the studio audience. Following her exit from the show, Alex admitted she wanted her performance to serve as an inspiration to her children.
She said: “I want them to know that overcoming fear is a good thing. I am not a singer but I gave it a go, and I think that’s the take home for them. I won’t be able to bear it but they will be so excited, hopefully it will be something special they remember when they grow up. They’ll think ‘God, our mother, do you remember when she dressed as a disc jockey and she sang on national television without any sort of voice?’”
As well as Gargoyle, other stars still in the competition include Red Panda, Can of Worms, Moth, and Sloth. On Sunday night, Monkey Business, Teabag, Toastie, Yak, Arctic Fox, and Conkers will perform for the first time.
It all came after Anne-Marie had been unmasked as Goldfish, having been performing as the lead singer of a group called No Trout in a first for the programme. After performing as Bruno Mars and Rose hit APT, the judges correctly guessed the identity of the singer.
Following her unmasking, the songstress said: “When I was at school, I had a very short attention span! I’m used to the voice just going that way [in front of me] but in the thing, it was like ‘Oh, that’s what I sound like!” She then gave her first unmasked performance for the studio audience of her signature track 2002, which famously references music icons like Britney Spears, Jay-Z and NSYNC.
The Masked Singer, ITV1/ITVX, Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th January, 6.30pm
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If you have a weight loss goal, there’s no shortage of social media posts that will overwhelm you with tips, tricks, and trendy products that promise to help you shed pounds in record time. One prime example? Weight loss patches.
In theory, weight loss patches, sometimes also called GLP-1 patches, can be applied to the body part you’re hoping to reduce (such as your belly, arms, or thighs), and they’re typically available through online retailers like Amazon, brands’ websites, and nutrition stores. Some patches also use “transdermal substance absorption,” which means they’re not dependent on the application site, and instead absorb through your skin to assist in general fat burning and accelerated metabolism, explains Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, an obesity medicine specialist and founder of New York Weight Wellness Medicine.
Meet the experts: Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, is an obesity medicine specialist and founder of New York Weight Wellness Medicine. Jorge Moreno, MD, is an internal medicine physician and obesity medicine specialist at Yale Medicine. Charlie Seltzer, MD, is a weight loss physician and exercise physiologist based in Philadelphia.
A sticker that delivers fat-burning or metabolism-boosting ingredients to your skin may sound too good to be true, and it is: In fact, these patches can actually cause adverse side effects, says Jorge Moreno, MD, an internal medicine physician and obesity medicine specialist at Yale Medicine. Plus, they’re not regulated by the FDA, so there’s no way of knowing exactly what is in these products.
I can’t blame you if you’re still curious about them, though. Ahead, here’s everything you need to know about weight loss patches, according to doctors.
These patches are intended to work transdermally, which means the active ingredients go directly into the skin, bypassing your digestive system. That’s the key difference between patches and oral supplements you’d ingest, such as in pill or powder form, says Charlie Seltzer, MD, a weight loss physician and exercise physiologist based in Philadelphia.
Common ingredients found in these patches include berberine, green tea extract, and bitter orange extract (more on these in a minute). They also may include essential oils and other moisturizing ingredients for the skin. The instructions generally advise leaving a patch on for six to eight hours and using three to four times per week.
This plant-based substance has been linked with weight loss. One 2022 review of studies in Frontiers in Nutrition on berberine supplementation for adults with cardiovascular disease risk found that supplementing it reduced weight and body mass index (BMI), as well as other metrics like cholesterol and blood pressure. Another 2025 review in the European Journal of Medical Research looked at berberine’s anti-obesity impact and found that several human and animal studies linked the compound with weight loss. However, more research needs to be done.
Cinnamon extract has similar benefits: In one 2023 study in J, overweight or obese patients either started a mildly hypocaloric diet with cinnamon bark and ashwagandha, or were in the placebo group, for four weeks. The group that took the supplements experienced significant weight loss. Additionally, a 2022 meta-analysis in the Journal of Food Biochemistry of studies on cinnamon as an anti-obesity agent found that cinnamon supplementation significantly decreased body weight. Again, though, more studies need to be conducted.
Some research has suggested that caffeine may contribute to weight loss, and green tea extract supplementation specifically may help reduce body mass, body fat percentage, and BMI, according to a 2023 review of studies in the British Journal of Nutrition on the supp’s effects on body composition, obesity-related hormones, and oxidative stress markers. But it’s not a magic solution. And while green tea extract is generally pretty safe, green tea weight loss supplements have led to liver damage in rare cases, according to LiverTox, a National Institute of Health resource for physicians and patients about the safety of supplements.
Bitter orange extract is found in some citrus fruits and contains synephrine, a stimulant with effects similar to ephedrine (a dangerous ingredient banned by the FDA for use in diet and sports supplements because it showed to have serious health risks like heart attack and stroke, resulting in deaths), according to a 2022 review of the safety and efficacy of bitter orange extract in Nutrients. While synephrine has been used to lose weight, the review found that the participants who took it did not experience significant weight loss, so further research is still needed.
Garcinia cambogia is derived from the fruit of the Malabar tamarind tree native to Southeastern Asia. It’s typically used as a food preservative and flavoring agent, but garcinia cambogia has increasingly been used in weight loss products due to claims that it can block your body’s ability to produce fat and suppress your appetite in the short term, according to a 2021 study published in Nutrients. But again, more research should be done.
Do weight loss patches work?
Many of the most common active ingredients in these patches do rev heart rate or speed up metabolism—however, these effects tend to be very minimal. And because weight loss patches aren’t regulated by the FDA, it’s not possible to know the full extent of potential risks and side effects when you can’t gauge how much of certain ingredients are in the patch, and what other ingredients its packing.
“Unfortunately, there isn’t substantial research showcasing that the ingredients found in these patches are effective or have any benefit, even if they were delivered through the bloodstream,” says Dr. Seltzer. So no, these patches won’t help you slim down quickly, even if you’re exercising and eating well at the same time.
The main reason people tend to be optimistic about these patches is because of all the claims out there about trendy ingredients helping with weight loss, he explains. But from a physiological standpoint, a single ingredient (and in such small, sporadic amounts) simply can’t have an impactful effect on body fat and metabolism, he notes.
It’s also worth noting that the location where you apply the patch does not matter either, says Dr. Moreno. “If a transdermal patch was effective, it would work in any skin area, and location should not matter,” he explains. “If these patches had evidence of working for weight loss, I would be using them in my obesity medicine practice, however, there is no evidence that they work.”
Potential Side Effects Of Weight Loss Patches
Again, the FDA does not regulate dietary or weight loss supplements, including weight loss patches. As a result, adverse side effects such as nausea, headache, increased heart rate (a.k.a tachycardia), and skin irritation near the application site are possible, says Dr. Peralta-Reich.
Plus, because weight loss patches are unregulated, most have not been tested for safety and may contain harmful ingredients. “The key aspect regarding these patches is their assertion of being entirely natural, however, they sometimes contain a mixture of ingredients, including substances that might lead to tachycardia and other adverse effects,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “No scientific evidence supports their effectiveness in promoting weight loss, and as a standard practice, I do not usually recommend them.”
Always talk to your doctor if you have a weight loss goal, and especially before trying any type of weight loss patches or other products, says Dr. Seltzer. While patches probably are not harmful in most cases (because, again, they won’t do anything), they could be, and they likely aren’t worth your money at the very least.
At the end of the day, the most effective ways to lose weight are through a combination of exercise that’s fun for you as well as a healthy diet full of fiber and protein, and yes, real GLP-1s. If you are struggling to lose weight, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian. From there, they can address your needs and come up with a game plan to reach your goals.
Emilia Benton is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor. In addition to Runner’s World, she has contributed health, fitness and wellness content to Women’s Health, SELF, Prevention, Healthline, and the Houston Chronicle, among other publications. She is also an 11-time marathoner, a USATF Level 1-certified running coach, and an avid traveler.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.