Traditionally, people turned to supplements for eye health, skin health, or gut health. But as awareness grows that mental well-being is just as important as
physical health, the trend is shifting toward mental care supplements.
According to a 2024 survey by Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, 73.6% of respondents reported experiencing mental health challenges in the past year a
10 percentage point increase compared to two years earlier. Stress (46.3%), depression (40.2%), and even suicidal thoughts (14.6%) ranked high among reported
issues.
As a result, more consumers are looking for supplements that target sleep, stress, and fatigue: those in their 20s and 50s for insomnia, 30s for stress relief, and
40s for fatigue management.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has approved several functional ingredients for mental care, including L-theanine, Ecklonia cava extract, Ashwagandha
extract, Magnolia bark extract, and Lactium. However, it’s important to note that melatonin, often associated with better sleep, is still classified as a regular food not a health functional food in Korea.
