"Check for the 'Health Functional Food' Mark When Choosing Hong Sam Products"

Health and Environment Research Institute Conducts Quality Survey on Functional Ingredients of Health Functional Foods Containing Distributed Red Ginseng
All 50 Products Contain 'Ginsenoside' Above Standard, Quality is Good

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 15th that all ginsenoside contents, the functional ingredient of red ginseng-containing health functional foods frequently sought by consumers to boost immunity amid the spread of COVID-19, met the standards.

The survey targeted 50 products from 34 companies of bottled, stick-type, and pouch-type red ginseng health functional foods distributed in marts within Seoul. All these products displayed the 'Health Functional Food' and 'Good Manufacturing Practice for Health Functional Foods' marks certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

In particular, the average ginsenoside content (16.6 mg) indicated on products containing 100% red ginseng concentrate was higher than that of products mixed with plant-based extracts or individually recognized functional ingredients. All surveyed products also met the standards for ginsenoside content according to their functional claims such as immunity enhancement, memory improvement, antioxidant effects, and health benefits for menopausal women.

The daily intake of ginsenosides according to functional content is 3 to 80 mg for immunity enhancement and fatigue improvement; 2.4 to 80 mg for blood flow improvement through platelet aggregation inhibition, memory improvement, and antioxidant effects; and 25 to 80 mg for products that help the health of menopausal women.

Shin Yong-seung, director of the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment, recommended, "When choosing red ginseng products, please select those with the Health Functional Food and Good Manufacturing Practice marks." He added, "Since the content of functional ingredients (marker components) varies depending on the functional claims even in products using red ginseng as a raw material, please check the product and content that match the desired efficacy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.