What Are Considered Health Foods?

The things we eat are divided into foods and medicines (including quasi-drugs). Health foods that claim to maintain or improve health are classified as foods. In general, a health food is any food that claims to be good for your health. These health foods according to the Japanese system can be categorised under different labels; "Food for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU)" "Food with Nutrient Functional Claims (FNFC)," "Food with Functional Claims" and "Other Health Foods”

■ Food for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU)
The Japanese government has examined these foods in terms of their safety and efficacy when consumed by people. The commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency has permitted them to be labelled based on their claims and effects to help maintain or improve health, etc.

■ Food with Nutrient Functional Claims (FNFC)
Foods with Nutrient Functional Claims are defined as vitamins, minerals or other nutrients where their safety and effectiveness in humans have been scientifically proven, provided that the content in the product satisfies the standards set by the government. It is a food that can provide nutritional
benefits.

■ Food with Functional Claims
These foods claim to have certain health functions, based on scientific research/evidence carried out by the business operator or manufacturer. The research/evidence for the safety and functionality of the product is submitted by the business operator to the commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency for approval. This is done prior to the product’s release or sale and the information is published on the website of the Consumer Affairs Agency.

For “Other Health Foods (foods other than foods with health claims)," their functionality or claims, etc. cannot be indicated on the package.

Supplement Ingredients and Dosages.

First of all, the content of ingredients is important. The recommended dosage depends on your age and personal circumstances.
In the case of Japan see the link from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese: (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/eiyou/syokuji_kijyun.html)
In the case of Taiwan, please refer to the Dietary Nutrient Reference Intakes for Taiwanese People: (https://www.hpa.gov.tw/Pages/Detail.aspx?nodeid=4248&pid=12285).

Let's choose a product that can make up the difference you are lacking in your daily diet by first looking at the recommended daily intake/dosage limits. Some vitamins can be harmful to the body if taken in excess, so it is important to follow the daily dosage limits.

Prioritize Ease of Taking and Keeping Up a Supplement.

There are various forms such as capsules and tablets, as well as different dosage recommendations. Instead of choosing supplements solely based on their benefits, choose those that are easy to take and are easy to keep going with.

Use the Government Labels “Food with Health Claims” as a Guide

By looking at the product packaging you can see whether it has been labelled under the government approved categories "Food for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU)", "Food with Nutrient Functional Claims (FNFC)" or "Food with Functional Claims".Use these labels as a guideline to help you choose the right products.

■ Vitamin B1

Recommended Daily Dosage: 0.36mg 〜 25mg
Function: A nutrient that helps produce energy from carbohydrates and maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes.

■ Vitamin B2

Recommended Daily Dosage: 0.42mg 〜 12mg
Function: A nutrient that helps maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes.

■ Vitamin B6

Recommended Daily Dosage: 0.39mg 〜 10mg
Function: A nutrient that helps produce energy from protein and maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes.

■ Vitamin B12

Recommended Daily Dosage: 0.72 μg 〜 60 μg
Function: A nutrient that helps form red blood cells.

▶︎View Vitamin B Products

■ Vitamin C

Recommended Daily Dosage: 30mg 〜 1000mg
Function: A nutrient that helps maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes and has an antioxidant effect.

▶︎View Vitamin C Products

■ Vitamin D

Recommended Daily Dosage: 1.65 μg 〜 5.0 μg
Function: A nutrient that promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestinal tract for building bone in the body.

▶︎View Vitamin D Products

■ Vitamin E

Recommended Daily Dosage: 1.89mg 〜 150mg
Function: It is a nutrient that protects lipids(fats) in the body from oxidation and helps maintain the health of cells through its oxidizing action.

▶︎See Vitamin E Products

■ Folic Acid

Recommended Daily Dosage: 72 μg 〜 200 μg
Function: Folic acid is a nutrient that helps form red blood cells. It is also a nutrient that contributes to the development of a baby for when women are pregnant.

▶︎See Folic Acid Products

■ Zinc

Recommended Daily Dosage: 2.64mg 〜 15mg
Function: A nutrient necessary to maintain your tastebuds, the health of skin and the mucous membranes. It also participates in the metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids to promote a healthy body.

▶︎View Zinc Products

■ Calcium

Recommended Daily Dosage: 204mg 〜 600mg
Function: A nutrient necessary for the formation of bones and teeth.

■ Magnesium

Recommended Daily Dosage: 96mg 〜 300mg
Function: Magnesium is a nutrient necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. It is also necessary for maintaining normal blood circulation as well as helping the function and energy production of many internal enzymes.

▶︎View Calcium Products

■ Iron

Recommended Daily Dosage: 2.04mg 〜 10mg
Function: A nutrient necessary to make red blood cells.

▶︎See Iron Products

Antioxidants and Youthfulness

■ NMN

It is a substance that is naturally produced in humans and living organisms, and is necessary to produce energy, essential for all human activities.
It is attracting worldwide attention as a product which can "suppress aging and has the potential to extend one’s lifespan" as well as supporting our general health and beauty.

▶︎View NMN Products

■ Sesamin

An ingredient that improves the power of antioxidants in the body. It is especially good to fight daily fatigue whilst also improving sleep quality, relieving stress, and supporting youthfulness.

▶︎See Sesamin Products

■ Placenta

Placenta is rich in nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins and enzymes. The health benefits of placenta are numerous such as strengthening liver function, reducing fatigue, and regulating the autonomic nervous system. In addition, you can expect to see improvements in your skin and it is said to create beautiful skin.

▶︎View Placenta Products

■ Coenzyme Q10

It has been reported to help reduce daily fatigue by assisting the production of energy in cells.

▶︎See Coenzyme Q10 Products

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For Skin Firmness and Elasticity

■ Collagen

Collagen is a type of protein that exists in the human body and is distributed to all tissues and organs such as skin & bones. It is there to aid the making of structures such as fibers and membranes, and accounts for about 30% of the protein in our body.

■ Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid exists in large amounts between cells and protects cells by retaining moisture and acting like a cushion.

▶︎See Collagen/Hyaluronic Acid Products

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Eye Care

■ Blueberry

Anthocyanin, which is abundant in blueberries, is a type of polyphenol antioxidant. It is a blue-purple natural pigment that plants store to protect them from harmful light such as UV rays. It is effective in improving eyesight and visual function whilst preventing eye strain.

■ Lutein

Lutein has the function of increasing the amount of macular pigment in the eye, protecting the eye from light stimuli such as blue light. It also helps improve vision, visual contrast sensitivity and the general condition of your eyes.

▶︎View Blueberry / Lutein Products

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Memory and Learning

■ DHA

The official name is "Docosahexaenoic Acid", and it is one of the unsaturated fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in the body. DHA has various functions such as regulating the body's immune response, promoting fat burning, constricting blood vessel walls, and is involved in the cohesion of blood platelets.It is effective in preventing and improving allergy related diseases, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, dyslipidemia, stroke, and dermatitis.

In addition, it has a function to smooth the information transmission of the nerve cells in the brain, and thus has a positive effect on cognitive functions such as memory, language ability and behavioral ability.

▶︎View DHA Products

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Joint Care

■ Glucosamine

Glucosamine, an amino sugar, is a component of joint cartilage. Glucosamine is said to smooth joint movements and improve joint pain.

▶︎See Glucosamine Products

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Improve Your Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract and Feel Refreshed Everyday

■ Bifidobacteria / Lactobacilli

Lactic Acid Bacteria and enzymes are recommended for those who are concerned about digestive issues, their GI tract or more generally a lack of vegetables and bowel movements. Supplements that contain good bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria will help keep your stomach in good shape.

▶︎View Bifidobacterium / Lactic Acid Bacteria Probiotic Products

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Exercise Support

■ Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks for building muscle and making them stronger. They can also help reduce fatigue as they are quickly absorbed by the body.

▶︎View Amino Acid Products

■ Protein

Protein helps repair muscle fibers and synthesize new muscle.

▶︎See Protein Products

39 Amino Acids, Multivitamins & Minerals PLUS 10 Kinds of Lactic Acid Bacteria

10 kinds of lactic acid bacteria are added to "39 Amino Acids, Multivitamins & Minerals". The supplement includes 18 kinds of amino acids, 12 different vitamins, and 9 different minerals. It is recommended for those who want to live and maintain a healthy life.

Foods with Health Claims (Foods with Nutrient Functional Claims)

Estimated intake of nutrients ( Recommended daily dosage: 4 capsules )
Vitamins: 1 day's portion (contains 10 times the amount of B1, B2, B3 required per day)
Minerals: 1/3 of your daily portion (iron, manganese, copper, selenium, chromium, molybdenum)
Zinc: 1 day's portion

Recommended For

✔︎ Those who are concerned about the balance of their meals.
✔︎ Those who are concerned about a lack of vegetables and fruits in their diet.
✔︎ Those who are concerned about lack of seaweed or dairy in their diets.
✔︎ Those who do not eat dairy products much.

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All-in-One Supplements 40 Kinds of Health Ingredients

In addition to 13 vitamins and 10 minerals, 9 essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the body are included. As well as 10 trillion lactic acid bacteria + yeast*1 to support a healthy stomach. Also includes 4 enzymes that support digestion and absorption, Coenzyme Q10 which is essential for staying youthful, CBP that firmly supports bone health, and Hesperidin that helps circulation. In addition, black pepper extract is added that efficiently supports the functions of nutrients and ingredients. An all round supplement to help you feel more alive.

Food with Health Claims (Food with Nutrient Functional Claims)

Nutritional Claims: niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, iron, zinc, copper

23 Essential Multivitamins, Minerals Plus Coenzyme Q10 All-In-One Supplement

Food with Health Claims (Food with Nutrient Functional Claims)

Vitamin B1, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron

No added colorings, fragrances or preservatives

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Citations & References