Bought Red Ginseng to Boost Our Child's Immunity... Turns Out There's a Difference of Up to 3.7 Times

Average Price per 10g is 1,014 KRW
...Up to 3.2 Times Difference Between Products

A survey found that the content of ginsenosides, which enhance immunity, varies up to 3.7 times among 10 types of children's red ginseng health functional foods distributed in the market.

On the 4th, the Daejeon Chungnam Consumer Federation tested and evaluated 10 children's red ginseng health functional food products sold in the market for ginsenoside content, sugar content, safety, and labeling compliance, confirming such differences.

On the 4th, the Daejeon Chungnam Consumer Federation announced the results of safety, quality, and labeling compliance tests conducted on 10 children's red ginseng health functional food products sold on the market at the Fair Trade Commission press room in the Government Sejong Complex. The photo shows a related staff member examining the test products. Photo by Yonhap News

The average ginsenoside content consumed when children adhere to the daily intake of red ginseng products was 5.4 mg. Although all products met the daily intake standards, the content difference between products was up to 3.7 times.

According to the Daejeon Chungnam Consumer Federation, Nonghyup Hongsam Hansamin Ai Hong Sam product contained the highest ginsenoside content of 9.6 mg per daily intake standard, while Ivenet Kkoma Hong Sam Jelly product had the lowest at 2.6 mg.

Test results of ginsenoside and sugar content in 10 children's red ginseng products. Provided by Daejeon Chungnam Consumer Federation.

Ginsenosides are a type of saponin uniquely present in ginseng and are functional (or marker) components of red ginseng. They are known to help improve immunity, reduce fatigue, enhance blood flow and memory through platelet aggregation inhibition, provide antioxidant effects, and support the health of menopausal women.

The sugar content per daily intake showed up to a 7-fold difference between products. While the average sugar content was 3.6 g, the Maini Immune Ssuksuk Hong Sam Jelly Mango flavor product contained the highest sugar content at 10.5 g, and Jeongwon Sam 6-Year-Old Korean Red Ginseng 365 Stick Kids product had the lowest at 1.5 g.

Regarding safety for microorganisms, heavy metals, and residual pesticides, all products met the relevant standards or were not detected.

The price per 10 g averaged 1,014 KRW, with up to a 3.2-fold difference between products. The Atomy Kids Hong Sam product was the cheapest at 643 KRW, and Jeonggwanjang Hongi Janggun Stage 3 product was the most expensive at 2,067 KRW.

The Daejeon Chungnam Consumer Federation urged, "Since there are differences in ginsenoside content among products, it is necessary to check this and choose products accordingly." The federation plans to continue testing and evaluating safety and quality of products closely related to daily life to provide consumers with objective product information.

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