“Breastfeeding Mothers Should Avoid Dietary Supplement Ingredients ‘Coenzyme Q10’ and ‘Squalene’”

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on the 25th that breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid consuming the functional ingredients ‘Coenzyme Q10’ and ‘Squalene,’ and those taking anticoagulants should consult a specialist.

The MFDS reflected the results of a re-evaluation of the safety and functionality of nine functional ingredients, including Coenzyme Q10, and on the same day issued an administrative notice to strengthen the standards and specifications for each ingredient in the revised “Standards and Specifications for Health Functional Foods.” Additional precautionary information was added for specific age groups, patients with certain diseases, and those taking medications regarding the consumption of each functional ingredient.

Accordingly, breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid consuming Coenzyme Q10, Squalene, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, NAG (N-Acetyl Glucosamine), Inulin/Chicory Extract, and Chitosan/Chito-Oligosaccharide.

Furthermore, all nine functional ingredients are required to include a precautionary statement on the product labeling stating, “Discontinue use and consult a specialist if adverse reactions occur.”

In addition, the MFDS announced that the daily intake amounts for Oat Dietary Fiber, Chitosan/Chito-Oligosaccharide, Garcinia Cambogia Extract, and Aloe Gel will be reset to levels that ensure functionality and safety. The standards for lead and cadmium in Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Chitosan/Chito-Oligosaccharide will also be strengthened.

Meanwhile, the MFDS also announced the establishment of a product definition and testing methods to allow the manufacture of health functional foods as “sustained-release products” with slow-dissolving characteristics. Until now, health functional foods manufactured applying disintegration characteristics could only be produced as “enteric-coated products” that disintegrate in the intestines.

The manufacturing standards have also been expanded to allow the production of Aloe Gel products using liquid raw materials that are crushed, filtered, or juiced. An MFDS official stated, “We will accept opinions on this revision, which includes these contents, until September 25.”

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