Eight products were found to contain prescription-only neuropsychiatric drug ingredients, including galantamine, vinpocetine, and citicoline. (Photo: a screenshot from Amazon website)
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korean authorities have discovered multiple prohibited pharmaceutical ingredients in imported brain health supplements that claim to boost memory and concentration, according to a report released on October 30.
The Korea Consumer Agency and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety jointly examined 19 foreign-made brain health supplements sold on domestic and international online marketplaces. The investigation revealed that all products contained either prescription-only pharmaceutical ingredients or raw materials prohibited for use in dietary supplements.
Eight products were found to contain prescription-only neuropsychiatric drug ingredients, including galantamine, vinpocetine, and citicoline. Officials warned that these substances, when taken without proper medical supervision, could cause adverse effects ranging from vomiting, headaches, and diarrhea to potentially life-threatening shock.
Additionally, twelve products contained ingredients such as Noopept, bacopa, and club moss, which are banned in dietary supplements due to either lack of safety evaluations or known side effects including gastrointestinal disorders and headaches.
One product, Focus Suppor manufactured in the United States, contained both citicoline and bacopa. The investigation marked the first confirmation of galantamine and Noopept entering the South Korean market.
These substances were newly designated as prohibited ingredients under the Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management last month.
In response to the findings, the Consumer Agency has recommended that merchants cease sales of all 19 products and requested major e-commerce platforms, including Naver, Coupang, and AliExpress, to block their listings.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has also taken action, asking customs authorities to suspend imports of these products and requesting the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block access to overseas websites selling them.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
