THE Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has warned regarding several dietary supplements produced in North Korea, citing significant health risks.
‘Angung Uhwanghwan’, a product advertised by North Korea as a cure-all and high-end pharmaceutical, was found to contain mercury at levels 40,000 times higher than the permitted limit, along with steroids.
Other North Korean products, including Heuk Samryeokgang and Hyeolgung Bullo Jeong, were also contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead.
Furthermore, Saesam Gangjeong, marketed as an energy-boosting supplement, was found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil, the main ingredients in Viagra and Cialis, which are prescription-only drugs and must not be included in dietary supplements or food products.
Due to the presence of hazardous ingredients, many North Korean-made dietary supplements can cause serious side effects.
Consumers are therefore strictly advised to check the product name and its production site.
The consumers must exercise caution as the safety of dietary supplements, food, and pharmaceuticals produced in North Korea cannot be trusted.
Even if these products are offered as souvenirs or recommended at North Korean restaurants, what may initially feel beneficial can be significantly harmful to one’s health and that of their loved ones.
Readers can refer to the detailed nutrient numeric matrix table below.
          Analysis results of harmful substances in North Korean dietary supplements
Red mark: Exceeded regulatory limits
