Lead Stories Thai - Science

Fact Check: Leishmaniasis Is NOT A New Disease Spreading In Thailand

2025-05-08T08:19:54Z

Is leishmaniasis a new disease spreading in Thailand, with more than 14 infections so far this year? No, that's not true: The disease has been around since 1996. A Thai health agency said there have only been two patients this year, by April 25, 2025.

The claim appeared in multiple TikTok videos, including one posted on April 26, 2025 (archived here), with the following caption, which read (translated from Thai into English by Lead Stories staff):

Breaking news, watch out for this insect! #epidemic #southernourland #pumpkintown #Bangkok #goodlifeinbangkok #warning #pharmacistfiu #pharmacistfiu

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Thu May 1 13:19:54 2025 UTC)

The video claims leishmaniasis is spreading in Thailand, with 14 cases reported in the southern provinces at the time of writing. The person in the video says that besides the south, people in Bangkok, Chantaburi, and other northern provinces should also be on alert, as cases were reported there too.

According to the Thai Department of Disease Control (archived here), the disease isn't new and has existed in Thailand since 1996, with an all-time total of 45 cumulative patients and seven deaths. In 2025, there have been two confirmed patients with one fatality so far, the agency said on April 25, 2025. The two patients were from Songkla and Bangkok.

Dr. Jurai Wongsawat, Thai DDC's spokesperson, said at a press conference on April 22, 2025, which was posted on the agency's Facebook page (see screenshot below), that leishmaniasis is a protozoan infectious disease transmitted by sandflies to mammals, including dogs, cats and rabbits, being disease-carrying animals (archived here).

(Source: Facebook screenshot taken on Thu May 8 09:04:13 2025 UTC)

Wongsawat said the public can protect themselves from the disease by taking similar precautions as they do for mosquito-related diseases. "If we strictly follow these measures, we can also be safe from this disease," she concluded.

Meanwhile, the Director of Bangkok's Medical Service Department Lertluck Leelaruangsang said on May 1, 2025, through the administration website (archived here) that the central Bangkok government has collaborated with all 50 district offices to implement measures to monitor leishmaniasis in the Bangkok area.

(Source: Screenshot taken from the Thai Department of Disease Control on Thu May 1 2025 UTC)

Fact Check: NO Conclusive Evidence Bitter Melon Helps Lower Blood Sugar Levels

2024-08-13T18:43:19Z

Does bitter melon help lower blood sugar levels for pre-diabetic and diabetic people? No, that's not true: The evidence supporting this claim circulating on social media remains inconclusive. Most studies on bitter melon and its benefits in lowering blood sugar levels concluded that further research is needed.

The claim appeared in a video on TikTok posted on July 5, 2024 (archived here), with the caption (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff):

A vegetable that helps lower blood sugar levels. Please share for the public benefit. Click here to contact the professor. Want to lose weight, type your weight and height in the comment and follow so I can respond.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Tue Jul 23 14:52:26 2024 UTC)

In the video, the narrator who called himself "Professor Suchart" talked about a type of vegetable that could lower blood sugar levels -- bitter melon. He recommended eating it every day, boiled and with chili paste. Another alternative was to boil it and make it a juice, according to the video.

He said "anyone who has a hot flash, is itching on the skin and has frequent urination at night," -- they are starting to be diabetic or are already diabetic -- are encouraged to try.

Previous research on the benefits of bitter melon confirmed its potential use as antidiabetics. For example, a 2018 study published in Pathophysiology (archived here) found the possible bioactive compounds responsible for its antidiabetic properties and said the use of this plant in folk medicine is justified.

Another study in 2023 (archived here) was conducted to test bitter melon's efficacy and safety in Korean prediabetes participants and found that bitter melon also exhibits glucose-lowering effects. However, there were some limitations with the study including how the participants were not diabetic and how their blood glucose wasn't high enough to observe the effect of 12 weeks of bitter melon extract administration. The study concluded:

In the future, a long-term cohort study should be performed to confirm the prophylactic effects of bitter melon in diabetes, especially prediabetes.

A 2014 study (archived here) also found that "bitter melon supplementation compared with no treatment did not show significant glycemic improvements on either A1c or FPG." This study found that the evidence regarding the use of the vegetable on glycemic control in patients is inconclusive and that additional evidence in a larger sample of patients over a longer time duration is needed.

Fact Check: NO Evidence That Phone Use During Pregnancy Affects Fetus Brain Development

2024-06-03T09:47:31Z

Does phone use during pregnancy affect the fetus' brain development and other behaviors? No, that's not true: There are no confirmed effects in human pregnancy. Several studies have shown the lack of association between phone use and the development of a fetus or a child's skills after birth.

The claim appeared in a video on TikTok posted on May 6, 2024 (archived here). It had the following caption (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff):

Three dangers that moms have to be cautious about. #machikomom #goodthingsmomandki

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Thu May 9 11:32:12 2024 UTC)

In the video, the narrator explained three impacts that would happen to a fetus if a pregnant mother frequently uses her phone. First, the radiation from the phone will slow down the fetus' brain development. Second, its sleeping schedule and daily routine could change if the mom uses her phone loudly during the fetus' sleeping time, waking it up. Third, the child will be difficult to raise after birth as they will be used to this different routine of waking up in the middle of their sleeping time and consequently sleeping during the day. The video didn't present any evidence to support these claims.

While cell phones release non-ionizing radiation, routine exposure to it doesn't pose any harm to humans, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (archived here). Specifically, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website entry (archived here) that exposure to nonionizing radiation is usually "not hazardous to you or your unborn baby."

Many workers are exposed to common sources of nonionizing radiation at work. Microwave ovens, computer screens, and cell phones use nonionizing radiation at exposure levels that are considered safe.

There are specific workplace cases where caution must be exercised, reads the website:

Some healthcare workers (diathermy operators) and certain industries use nonionizing radiation at higher levels.

Most scientific studies have yielded similar results: The health risks to a fetus from its mother's phone aren't confirmed.

While a 2012 study from Yale University, published in Scientific Reports (archived here), found an association between prenatal cellular telephone use and hyperactivity in children, the direct effects of the exposure on neurodevelopment remain unknown. Additionally, the study was done in mice and noted that further experimentation is needed in humans or non-human primates.

A more recent study in 2017, published in BMC Public Health (archived here), looked into how cell phone usage in early pregnancy affects a child's language, communication, and motor skills at three and five years in Norwegian moms. It concluded that "no evidence of adverse neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal cell phone use was reported."

A 2017 study published in Environment International journal (archived here), said to be the largest study to date on prenatal phone use in five birth cohorts, found some association with the use and an increased risk for behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and inattention. However, the study didn't consider other social factors such as parenting style, material hyperactivity, and more.

The World Health Organization confirmed the notion (archived here): Exposure to electromagnetic fields in the living and working environment doesn't increase the risk of any adverse outcome from a pregnancy.

Fact Check: NO Proof Mixture Of Lime, Ginger, Honey And Kombucha Can Clean Blood Vessels

2024-03-29T15:52:03Z

Does consuming a mixed drink of lime, ginger, honey, and kombucha effectively cleanse blood vessels and potentially address various diseases? No, that's not true: according to the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicines, this assertion originates from the belief that lime and kombucha can cleanse fat and cholesterol from blood vessels, which are factors contributing to high cholesterol, stroke, and numbness in fingertips. However, no evidence in scientific studies supports the claim that consuming such a concoction can effectively treat these symptoms and diseases.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) published on TikTok by Kumviang Shop under the caption, translated from Thai into English by Lead Stories staff: "A remedy for breaking through blood vessels." The video included the following comment:

It works. I've already finished 4 bottles and my cholesterol reduced significantly.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Fri Mar 29 15:52:03 2024 UTC)

Kumviang Shop, which promotes Kumviang Natural Farming, operates a TikTok channel that sells kombucha. The channel shares videos detailing the drink recipe, comprising three fresh limes, 100 grams of fresh ginger, 100cc of honey, and 750cc of kombucha. The videos also assert various treatment benefits, such as lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and aiding in stroke recovery.

The video attempts to persuade viewers that the featured drink recipe outperforms modern medications for individuals managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or the posthumous of a stroke. It suggests that individuals relying on modern medications often find that they are not cured, but instead, they need to increase their doses over time.

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicines (archived here), established under the Ministry of Public Health in 2002, informed Lead Stories via telephone on March 25, 2024, that no research or scientific evidence supports the claim that this drink can cleanse blood vessels or alleviate symptoms.

A senior officer at the department stated:

When people mention cleaning blood vessels, they usually mean to rinse off the surplus cholesterols or LDL (low-density lipoprotein). So far, there is some research on guinea pigs about kombucha's benefits. The research showed that it could reduce LDL and sugar levels in guinea pigs. However, the results in guinea pigs might not be the same in humans, so we should not expect the same benefits from this research.

The senior officer stressed that individuals with high blood pressure or strokes should follow their doctor's guidance rather than discontinuing medications independently and transitioning to consuming this kombucha recipe.

The expert added that it is never advisable to stop cholesterol medication if you are susceptible to these conditions without consulting a medical professional.

Fact Check: Study Does NOT Prove Intermittent Fasting Causes Increased Risk Of Cardiovascular Death

2024-03-26T17:53:11Z

Did researchers prove intermittent fasting causes a higher risk of cardiovascular death? No, that's not true: The paper used to back this claim is flawed, lacks evidence and remains unpublished and unreviewed, according to a Thai medical doctor and reporting in several publications. Additionally, there is no published research paper presenting the results, and the data collection method, reliant on respondents' memories, is unreliable.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok by @bowling_ranuka on March 21, 2024. The caption (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff) read:

16/8 intermittent fasting linked to a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Mon Mar 25 10:12:33 2024 UTC)

Intermittent fasting (IF) (archived here) is a dietary approach characterized by alternating periods of food abstention and consumption on a scheduled basis. It has gained popularity as an effective method for weight loss. However, on March 18, 2024, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a press release (archived here) revealing new research suggesting that eight-hour time-restricted eating, a form of intermittent fasting, is associated with a 91 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death. The AHA also stated that these research abstracts were preliminary and had not yet been peer-reviewed.

The medical community swiftly disseminated these findings, prompting numerous doctors to discredit them. Dr. Sasapin Wongkovit (archived here), also known as Dr. Nuize, a respected physician in Thailand, shared a video on TikTok (archived here) elucidating why this research remains untrustworthy.

Several articles have also pointed out numerous shortcomings in the research, casting doubt on the reliability of its findings (archived here, here and here). First, the research is observational in nature. It involved distributing questionnaires to 20,000 U.S. adults, men and women with an average age of 49 years, and tracking them over eight to 17 years. However, this method relies on participants' memories, which can be unreliable, especially considering that intermittent fasting practices may vary from day to day for some individuals. Second, the frequency of administering the questionnaire was too infrequent, only twice a year. The study also failed to differentiate between participants with chronic diseases and those without. Additionally, the 20,000 participants did not follow similar diets. The sample size of 20,000 volunteers is relatively small compared to the overall population of the U.S. Consequently, these limitations raise significant concerns about the research's ability to draw conclusive results.

At the same time, there is research (archived here) that proves the benefits of intermittent fasting. This was a 2021 study published by Frontiers in Nutrition. It reviewed via a meta-analysis, a technique used to combine and analyze the results of multiple independent studies, which showed a significant positive correlation between body mass index and weight loss during intermittent fasting.

Fact Check: Herbal Products From Suphat Traditional Medicine Clinic NOT Approved For Cancer Treatment

2024-03-26T10:39:42Z

Are herbal remedies from a traditional Thai medical clinic located in the central province of Nakhon Sawan approved by the Thai Food and Drug Administration as cancer treatments? No, that's not true. The provincial Public Health Office in Nakhon Sawan told Lead Stories they confiscated those remedies in 2023 and filed a lawsuit against the producer for manufacturing and distributing herbal remedies that were not registered with the FDA.

The claim appeared in a TikTok video, (archived here), published on January 12, 2024, by @suphattv, a TikTok account affiliated with the clinic that has published several clips advertising the alleged medicinal properties of Suphat Traditional Medicine Clinic herbal remedies.

The video opened with the following text, translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff: "Mr. Chamnan's experience, stage 4 lung cancer, no shortness of breath, no fatigue. Suphat clinic, Lad Yao district, Nakhon Sawan and Klong Samwa, Bangkok."

The man speaking in the clip added where he was from, and was then asked by the interviewer why he came to Suphat Clinic. Here's the exchange, as translated by Lead Stories staff:

Man: I have stage 4 lung cancer.

Interviewer: How did you take care of your symptoms before this?

Man: I went to see a doctor, but my wife and friends recommended coming here. The first set I took was herbal medicine.

Interviewer: Did you see any changes after going back for another check-up?

Man: I went back for an X-ray. The shadows in the lungs have faded, not as dense as before.

Interviewer: Do you feel any changes in yourself before and after taking the medicine?

Man: I felt a bit tired before taking it, but after taking it, I don't feel tired. I breathe with more ease and deeper.

Interviewer: What herbal medicines did you take?

Man: It's in the form of herbal soup and capsules. I take it regularly, both in the morning and evening.

Interviewer: Is there anything you would like to recommend to the viewers as a guideline?

Man: I would like to invite viewers to try buying and consuming herbal products here. There are several types, and I feel that my condition has improved. I had stage 4 lung cancer, and now I breathe freely without fatigue or shortness of breath.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Mon Mar 25 16:39:42 2024 UTC)

In the comment section, a viewer wrote (as translated): "My father had colon cancer. He went to get medicine at the clinic ... He took two sets, and now my father has improved a lot. His body is much better than before." The poster answered, (as translated): "I'm glad to hear that. If you have the opportunity, I would like you to share your experience as inspiration."

In a second video posted on the same TikTok account on November 18, 2023, (archived here), a man who identified himself as the founder of Suphat Traditional Medicine Clinic asked a visitor named Nitya what her condition was. She replied that she had cancer that started in the salivary glands and spread to the lymph nodes, then to the lungs. He said, (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff):

Within three months of receiving the medicine from my clinic, she would improve.

The woman mentioned that after taking the medicine from the clinic for the second time, she felt irritation in her lungs. He reassured her that it would be fine and she would recover. He noticed that she no longer looked like a sick person because her complexion had become rosier.

The woman then explained that her doctor wanted her to do chemotherapy, which she declined because she was already taking medicine from the clinic. The man responded, as translated:

You don't need chemotherapy anymore, and your condition would be eventually improved.

This is what the second post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Mon Mar 25 16:42:00 2024 UTC)

Lead Stories contacted by phone the Provincial Public Health Office of Nakhon Sawan, responsible for consumer protection within the province, on March 26, 2024. Two officials stated that some of the clinic's herbal products have not been registered with FDA Thai, including the alleged cancer remedies.

The Herbal Products Act of 2562 B.E. (archived here) states any person who produces, imports, or sells herbal products without obtaining a license shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand baht (over 8,000 USD), or both imprisonment and fine. During the telephone conversation, an official of the Provincial Public Health Office told Lead Stories:

Following complaints, officials seized herbal medicines claimed to treat various diseases, especially cancer, in August 2023. Legal action has been taken against key personnel of the clinic on charges of producing and distributing unregistered medicines. The trial is ongoing.

(Translation from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff).

Furthermore, another official from the provincial Public Health Office added that they are currently addressing illegal advertising by the clinic. Many complaints have been received regarding advertisements that violate FDA regulations (archived here), particularly those claiming that specific medicines provided by the clinic can treat serious diseases such as cancer.

Fact Check: Collagen Production In Human Body Does NOT Increase With Age

2024-03-26T09:18:51Z

Does collagen production in the human body increase with age? No, that's not true: The body's collagen production slows down with age. According to scientific studies, collagen declines by around 1 percent after reaching age 20, especially in perimenopausal and menopausal women. This results in a decrease in collagen production, accelerated by the estrogen hormone drop.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok by @pukmutnews on March 13, 2024, titled (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff) "Just Realized: 'Collagen' is not Human Food." The caption (as translated) read:

The information spreading that collagen decreases as you age is a lie. It's not true because collagen production naturally increases with age in humans.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Thu Mar 21 01:56:16 2024 UTC)

The person speaking in the video, as stated in the text overlay, is Dr. Wichai Ekataksin, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Lymphology Institute of Thailand in Bangkok. Ekataksin is renowned for his research and expertise in the field of lymphedema (archived here).

In the video, Ekataksin said he observed the quantity of collagen under the microscope and found that it increased and became thicker as people age. He didn't provide any scientific evidence to support his claim.

Our body produces collagen through fibroblast cells, specialized cells with the main function of synthesizing collagen and stroma, a type of tissue consisting mainly of connective tissue, among other elements (archived here). We can enhance collagen production with a high protein and amino acid-based diet, which means eating high-collagen foods from animal sources (archived here).

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it accumulates primarily in the skin (archived here). Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors cause skin aging and the disintegration of physiological functions (archived here). The intrinsic factors are mainly three: atrophy of the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin affected by decreased collagen synthesis, degeneration in the proportion of elastin and dehydration. On the other hand, extrinsic factors are related to environmental causes (archived here, here and here).

According to a Scientific American (archived here) article from September 26, 2005, titled "Why does skin wrinkle with age? What is the best way to slow or prevent this process?" by Suzan Obagi, assistant professor in dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh and director of the Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center, people after age 20 begin to produce less collagen at a rate of around 1 percent per year (archived here).

Hormonal imbalance after menopause causes a significant change in collagen levels, which decrease because of estrogen deficiency in women around 50 years old (archived here). The quantity of type I and II collagen in women's skin will lower by about 30 percent in the first five years of perimenopause and will reduce by 2 percent every year for the next 15 years (archived here). The acceleration of collagen reduction after menopause in women contradicts the claim in the video on TikTok that collagen increases with age (archived here).

Fact Check: Alkaline Diets Do NOT Combat Cancer, Acidic Foods Do NOT Make Body Cells More Acidic

2024-03-16T11:38:28Z

Can alkaline diets combat cancer and acidic foods make body cells more acidic, leading to cancer? No, that's not true: Alkaline diets cannot elevate our body's pH to levels that potentially combat cancer. Additionally, acidity in the body is often associated with tumors or cancer cells due to their higher metabolic rate and increased glycolysis leading to acidic accumulation, which is not directly influenced by dietary factors. There is no scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of alkaline diets and their association with low risk of cancer.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok by the @ceofactorythailand account (archived here) on March 3, 2024, under the title (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff) "Alkaline diets suppress cancer." It opened (as translated):

No disease can survive if our body and cells have alkali properties. Conversely, if we allow our bodies and cells to become too acidic, they will be more susceptible to illness, especially cancer.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Sun Mar 10 19:17:11 2024 UTC)

The woman speaking in the video also said (as translated):

Diet can turn our body into an alkaline state, mostly through the consumption of plants because they contain various vitamins and minerals. By consuming plants, our body will exhibit alkaline properties.

Mineral water leads our body into an alkaline state. Reverse osmosis water is acidic, especially carbonated beverages, which contribute to acidity in our body and cause inflammation inside the body.

Drinking a glass of wine is alkaline, but consuming many glasses of wine will cause the body to become acidic.

Alkaline diets consist of foods with a higher pH level of 7. Most alkaline foods include vegetables, fruits and nuts, while most meats, protein-based foods, alcohol, carbonated soda and caffeine drinks are considered acidic foods (archived here). While mineral water and reverse osmosis water (RO) have a natural pH (around 7) which is not alkaline (archived here), carbonated soda has pH of 3 to 4, which is slightly acidic and does not contribute to our body being more acidic (archived here).

However, diet factors cannot change the pH of our body cells because an intelligent mechanism involving the liver and kidneys works to eliminate excess carbon dioxide from the body. This mechanism helps maintain the blood's normal pH, which naturally remains slightly alkaline at around 7.2 to 7.4 (archived here and here).

A healthy lifestyle article on Nebraska Medicine (archived here) and a scientific study titled "Examining the relationship between diet-induced acidosis and cancer" (archived here) stated that acidic foods do not cause cancer directly. Extracellular acidity is one of the hallmarks that involves increased metabolism rate and glycolysis linked to acid accumulation in cancer patients (archived here).

Therefore, alkaline and acidic dietary factors are not directly involved in changing the pH of the body. Acidic foods do not lead to cancer. There is no scientific evidence supporting alkaline diets related to a lower risk of cancer (archived here).

Lead Stories has previously debunked the claim that cancer is not caused by acidity in the body, and alkalizing your body cannot prevent cancer. You can find more information on this topic here.

Fact Check: White Clots Are NOT Linked To mRNA Vaccines

2024-03-06T10:45:04Z

Is there any correlation between mRNA vaccines and the development of white clots? No, that's not true: Research indicates that postmortem white clots, a natural phenomenon in the human body, have been observed for an extended period, predating the development of mRNA vaccines.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok posted by @pak_pinn on February 27, 2024, with the caption (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff) that reads:

Is a white clot that is caused by mRNA vaccine similar to saddle blood?

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Mon Mar 4 10:45:04 2024 UTC)

The widely circulated claim (archived here) suggests the discovery of a unique white clot within the human body. This clot, described as resembling a tentacle, was reportedly found in the carotid arteries of individuals either near death or deceased. Allegedly, these individuals had a common denominator: They had all received mRNA vaccines. This comes after Dr. Thiravat Hemachudha, a physician in Thailand, asserted that such clots had not been previously documented in humans and attributed their presence to the administration of mRNA vaccines.

The National Vaccine Institute refuted this claim on February 21, 2024 (archived here), stating that the mRNA vaccine is not linked to white clots. They clarified that these white clots are postmortem blood clots, a natural occurrence in deceased bodies. When circulation ceases, red blood cells settle from plasma due to gravity, and fibrinogen in the blood naturally coagulates, forming white fibrin clots.

Extensive research (archived here) has been conducted on fibrin clots. Researchers have presented images of fibrin clots in tubes following centrifugation, and it has been documented in numerous cases predating the pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that clotting is a rare adverse effect of mRNA vaccines (archived here).

Lead Stories has consistently debunked misinformation regarding mRNA vaccine side effects, including blood clots here.

Fact Check: NO Evidence Wearing Copper Bracelets Relieves Pain Or Cures Illnesses

2024-02-29T11:43:59Z

Does wearing copper bracelets relieve pain, balance our body or cure illnesses? No, that's not true: Researchers have stated that no conclusive evidence indicates that copper accessories can reduce pain or inflammation and that wearing them has any proven health benefits.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok by @maeple.suparat (archived here) on February 6, 2024, under the title (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff) "Balance your body and cure illness with a copper bracelet." It opened (as translated):

Wearing copper bracelets, with the tails of negative and positive charges not touching each other, allows one to harness natural magnetic power waves. These waves can help relieve pain.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Tue Feb 27 09:48:36 2024 UTC)

Many Thai accounts on TikTok have posted videos about copper accessories being the new trend for treatments allegedly using magnetic waves from nature. In this video, the person says (as translated):

Wearing copper bracelets, with the tails of negative and positive charges not touching each other, allows one to harness natural magnetic power waves. These waves help balance blood circulation, relieve pain, and alleviate serious diseases. They can also protect our bodies from the effects of WiFi, Bluetooth, or computer waves. Moreover, it helps with insomnia when placed under the pillow.

Another video (archived here) on TikTok claims that copper wire from electronic equipment alleviates knee pain.

However, evidence supporting the use of copper bracelets as a treatment is very thin (archived here). Research over the years has found that magnetic wrist straps and copper bracelets do not alleviate arthritis pain or stiffness. One scientific study, titled "Copper Bracelets and Magnetic Wrist Straps for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Crossover Trial" (archived here) was published online by PLOS ONE on September 16, 2013. In this study, researchers used devices combined with magnets or copper in a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial, meaning patients in the experiment were unaware of which medication they received (archived here). Placebo-controlled trials were conducted for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The analysis of treatment outcomes indicated that magnet devices, including copper, did not affect pain, inflammation, physical function, disease activity or medication usage.

Moreover, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned (archived here) that copper bracelets can also be harmful when used by people who have an electronic device or implant such as a pacemaker, use an insulin pump, are pregnant or are allergic to metals like nickel.

Lead Stories has previously debunked claimed health benefits of copper bracelets and other jewelry; you can see those stories here, here and here.

Fact Check: Eye Care Product Advertising Does NOT Show Pre-, Post-Treatment Situation

2024-02-25T14:37:29Z

Did DR JAME's eye care product use its own research studies for advertisement? No, that's not true: DR JAME's eye care product for pterygium, a wing-like triangular membrane that can affect eye vision, is advertised by showing histology photographs from two different published scientific research studies that are unrelated to the product.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) published on TikTok by the @DrJame account (archived here) on January 7, 2024, under the title (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff) "No need for surgery for pterygium at German Medical Center, Dr. Jame Medicine." It opened (as translated):

Someone asked about how long it takes for pterygium recovery. It depends on the complexity of the shape and growth of pterygim tissues. If the tissue layer is simple, it will take less time than patients with spiral, complicated pterygium tissues. However, doctor confirm that pterygium will be removed.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Sat Feb 17 19:51:08 2024 UTC)

The post claims to show the histology of a case of complex pterygium abnormal tissue before and after using a bottle of Dr. Jame's eye care product. The Lead Stories staff found that the two images shown below are unrelated to each other and the product.

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Sat Feb 17 19:45:19 2024 UTC)

The image on the left side is described in the post as pterygium abnormal tissue and carries a DR JAME watermark. But the original photograph has a different source and does not belong to DR Jame's eye care company. It shows a case of pterygium, immunostaining of pterygium tissue focusing on a protein called Hsp90 in numerous epithelial cells (original magnification, x400), and comes from a scientific research study titled "Immunohistochemical detection of Hsp90 and Ki-67 in pterygium, 2013" (archived here), conducted by a Brazilian team of the Hospital Federal Fluminense University, Rio de Janeiro, and published by Diagnostic Pathology in February 2013.

The image on the right side supposedly shows the result on the same tissue after using the eye care treatment with DR JAME product. But Lead Stories was able to trace back the original image, which is unrelated to the first one. The original picture shows less complex pterygium tissues, which are goblet cells grouped as intraepithelial glands (Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, x200), from a paper titled "Pterygium: histological and immunohistochemical aspects" (archived here), published by the Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology on February 26, 2011.

Dr Jame's eye care product, claimed to be medicinal, lacks scientific credibility. A search on the Thai FDA approval website (archived here) shows no record to display; therefore the product information cannot be verified.

Fact Check: Black Goji Berries Do NOT Cure Cataracts Or Vitreous Degeneration

2024-02-23T11:48:22Z

Do black goji berries cure cataracts or vitreous degeneration? No, that's not true: The Royal College of Ophthalmologists of Thailand said drinking black goji berry tea cannot prevent or treat cataracts or vitreous degeneration. There is no study about it.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok on January 6, 2024. The caption (translated from Thai into English by Lead Stories staff) is:

Let black goji berries heal cataract, vitreous degeneration and macular degeneration.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Thu Feb 22 07:14:22 2024 UTC)

The creator said in the video that black goji berries tea could help reduce the risk of cataracts and relieve both cataracts and vitreous degeneration. She suggested mixing one spoon of black goji berries in water and drinking it every day to heal and improve vision and eye health.

Dr. Sakchai Vonkittirux, an ophthalmologist and a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists of Thailand (archived here), told Lead Stories in a phone call on February 21, 2024, that there is no scientific proof that either black or red goji berries can treat eye diseases including cataracts (archived here), vitreous degeneration (archived here) and macular degeneration (archived here).

He explained that the necessary nutrients for eyes -- vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin -- can be found in daily meals. The amount of these nutrients consumed from food are sufficient without adding supplements.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are not soluble in water, so mixing berries in water would not gain any benefit for eyes from drinking black goji berry tea, he said.

Vonkittirux referred to some studies that found lutein and zeaxanthin can help delay age-related macular degeneration (archived here) in the elderly from the beginning stage to the critical one. But these two nutrients don't benefit those whose eyes are not facing age-related macular degeneration.

Fact Check: Taking Cold Showers Does NOT Cause Strokes

2024-02-23T11:25:31Z

Can taking a cold shower cause a sudden stroke? No, that's not true: The Neurological Institute of Thailand told Lead Stories that taking showers with cold or warm water does not cause an immediate change in blood pressure, and does not lead to a risk of having a stroke.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok on November 30, 2023. The caption (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff) read "Taking a shower the wrong way can cause sudden paralysis." It began (as translated):

Cold water causes high blood pressure and narrows blood vessels.

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Sat Feb 17 19:43:31 2024 UTC)

In the video, the person says (as translated) "Taking a shower with cold water in the winter will increase the body temperature and make the blood vessels shrink rapidly, causing high blood pressure and a stroke. This can make people fall in the toilet and become paralyzed."

Another video (archived here) on TikTok made a similar claim, mentioning that we should wet our feet before pouring water on the body or head, so that the body's temperature does not change too rapidly, causing an immediate change in blood pressure and a stroke.

A representative of the Neurological Institute of Thailand (NIT) explained to Lead Stories in a telephone conversation on February 2, 2024, that high blood pressure and a sudden rise in blood pressure are not the same. A stroke might happen to a high blood pressure patient, but it is not related to a sudden rise in blood pressure. To date, no research confirms that the water temperature of a shower can cause blood pressure to rise or that the sudden rise of blood pressure can cause a stroke, the representative said.

Starting with pouring water on specific parts of the body, such as the feet, does not matter as this does not change the body temperature or have any influence over blood pressure, they said. A cold shower does not cause the narrowing of blood vessels, inducing fainting or strokes, they said.

Fact Check: Glutathione Food Supplements Do NOT Contain Skin Whitening Properties

2024-02-19T12:47:28Z

Do glutathione food supplements safely lighten skin? No, that's not true: The product was registered as a food supplement and the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand (FDA Thai) has repeatedly cautioned consumers against buying these supplements for other uses. It has launched initiatives to dismantle unlawfully advertised promotions on local social media platforms that falsely promise to change skin tones to a desired pinkish-white shade.

The claim appeared in numerous TikTok videos, such as here (archived here) and here (archived here), presented as advertisements for a product named Nabee on the channel @nabeegluta (archived here). The first clip began (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff):

Would you take it repeatedly? The more you consume, the brighter your skin becomes.

Later a picture of the product appeared with the text saying (as translated):

Continual use results in skin that's not just fair, but also plush and radiant from within. Our glutathione supplement swiftly enhances your skin's radiance, while also combating acne and freckles. Simply take 2-4 capsules daily on an empty stomach, and witness immediate results with just one bottle. Each pill contains glutathione, collagen, and vitamin C for optimal absorption.

The video ends with the suggestion to take these pills with another product called Gluta powder.

For best results, pair it with our Gluta powder. Consume on an empty stomach or before bed for maximum effectiveness. Your skin will glow so brilliantly that friends will greet you with admiration.

The second video states (as translated): "Don't endure dark skin for the rest of your life. Whether it's from the sun or genetics, you can lighten it."

This is what one of the posts looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Thu Feb 15:00 2024 UTC)

Items branded under the Nabee label have been officially registered with the Thai FDA as dietary supplements, here and here (archived here and here). Per the FDA Thai regulations, advertising or conveying messages suggesting skin-nourishing and beautifying effects is prohibited for dietary supplement products (archived here).

This includes claims such as:

Diminishing wrinkles, acne, blemishes, freckles and dark spots while regulating facial oiliness.
Promoting fair, luminous, supple, resilient skin with a radiant aura.
Firming pores and rejuvenating the skin's vitality.
Slowing down the aging process.

Lead Stories called the Thai FDA's call center on February 14, 2024, which said it had received numerous reports of overrated and misleading advertisements, not only for Nabee but also for other similar products. According to the operator, the center had begun an operation to dismantle these commercial channels. They said (as translated):

Consumers should be suspicious of products claiming rapid skin whitening, as there may be additional undisclosed substances that are potentially harmful

According to the WebMD website (archived here), oral consumption of glutathione is potentially safe when taken in doses of up to 500 milligrams daily for a maximum period of two months. However, there is limited data available regarding its potential side effects. A 2021 study (archived here) conducted in Indonesia indicated that oral glutathione supplements may provide slight benefits for skin lightening in a randomized controlled trial, but the outcomes did not reach statistical significance. Mild and temporary side effects were reported.

The Dermatological Society of Thailand's article (archive here) also cautioned against falling for skin whitening advertisements, emphasizing that no product can permanently lighten the skin. While some may offer temporary effects, normal pigment production resumes once their effects fade. The article concluded:

People in Asia benefit from their dark skin, which shields against sun exposure, lowering skin cancer risks compared to white individuals. Thus, altering skin color to an unnatural white shade shouldn't be encouraged.

Fact Check: Nano Silver Water Does NOT Have Any Health Benefits

2024-02-19T11:20:38Z

Does nano silver water have any beneficial effects on our health? No, that's not true: According to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, nano silver water, or colloidal silver water, does not have any health benefits, and there is no substantive scientific evidence supporting claims that it does.

The claim appeared in a video (archived here) on TikTok by @aketanaboss on July 12, 2023, with the caption (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff):

Good news for Thai people

This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:

(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Tue Feb 13 10:00:38 2024 UTC)

According to the video, a woman said someone had been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and myasthenia, a condition that can cause, among other symptoms, weakness of arm or leg muscles. She said the person was too weak to walk but that changed after drinking the water shown in the video.

The product shown in the TikTok video, Alpha SCH+ , or nano silver water (archived here), is described as a mineral supplement drink that is enriched with colloidal silver. According to the ad on its website, it can boost the immune system, has antioxidant properties, helps nourish the skin and detoxifies.

However, the Thai Ministry of Public Health (archived here) has confirmed that colloidal silver water does not have any health benefits, and its consumption may instead be dangerous.

Colloidal silver (archived here) consists of tiny silver particles in a liquid. It is often promoted as a cure-all and a dietary supplement, but no evidence supports health-related claims. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (archived here) has declared that colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts are not generally recognized as safe and effective and should not be branded as products that can improve people's health. Moreover, its use can lead to numerous serious conditions. The FDA is not aware of any substantive scientific evidence supporting the use of over-the-counter colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts to treat health conditions.

The Mayo Clinic (archived here) also advises against consuming colloidal silver. It states that it can accumulate in the body's tissues over months or years, resulting in a blue-gray tint on the skin and in the eyes, organs, nails and gums. In rare cases, excessive consumption of colloidal silver can lead to severe and long-lasting health problems, such as kidney damage and seizures.

Lead Stories has debunked another claim on colloidal silver water here.