Health products more expensive in Taiwan than in Japan, US
Lin Yi-hui and staff reporter
2015-03-09
GNC lutein capsules. (File photo/Lin Yi-hui)
A survey by Taiwan's Consumers' Foundation revealed that certain brands of health and nutrition products sold in Taiwan are priced 1.4 to 4.1 times higher than in Japan and the United States.
On average, products of the American brand GNC are sold in Taiwan at three times the retail price in the United States, while those of the Japanese brand DHC are twice as expensive in Taiwan as in Japan, according to Lu Hsin-chang, secretary-general of the foundation.
For example, a bottle containing 60 capsules of the GNC dietary supplement lutein costs US$90 in Taiwan, but less than US$22 in the United States, the foundation found.
The big price differences are the reason why many Taiwanese consumers prefer to shop for vitamins and supplements abroad whenever they travel. From July, however, the government will restrict the quantity of such products allowed into Taiwan, and individuals who intend to bring in more than a specified quantity will need to apply for permission in advance.
Expressing disapproval at the policy, Consumers' Foundation chairman Lu Yun said sellers in Taiwan will be more likely to lower their prices if there is no limit on the quantity of health and nutritional products brought in by individuals.
Consumers, however, need to establish a proper perception of health and nutritional products, Lu said, adding that there is no need for these products as long as people maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Wu Wen-hao, president of the Taiwan Society of Preventive Medicine, supported that view, saying sufficient nutrients can be obtained from a balanced diet and people do not need supplements unless they are suffering from a specific disease or a condition which leaves them with a poor ability to absorb nutrients.
For example, the average person needs only 6 mg of lutein per day, which can be obtained from eating 50 grams of spinach, he said.
Wu warned that excessive intake of certain nutrients can be detrimental to health. Too much vitamin C, for example, can lead to loose bowels, while a high intake of vitamins A, D and E and lutein over a long period can put strain on the liver, he said.
