Dietary supplements are booming in North Korea, becoming a status symbol among officials and the wealthy elite who use them to display prosperity.
According to a Daily NK source in Pyongyang recently, various supplements imported from China circulate widely in downtown areas of the capital, including probiotics, multivitamins, collagen, omega-3, and detox products. Most are Chinese-made, though occasional Japanese products fetch exceptionally high prices.
“Dietary supplements aren’t subject to sanctions, and the state doesn’t really restrict them, so they circulate freely,” the source said. “Sellers actively promote their products, telling customers they’re good for skin, clean blood vessels, and cure fatigue.”
Prices vary widely by product. Chinese collagen—reportedly good for skin whitening—costs about 150 to 300 yuan ($20-$40), while a three-month supply of Chinese probiotics ranges from under 100 yuan to over 500 yuan.
These supplements are purchased mainly by well-off North Koreans. For officials and the nouveau riche donju, regularly buying and taking nutritional supplements has become routine.
A new marker of prosperity
Meanwhile, people struggling to afford three meals a day can’t even consider them. Supplement consumption has become a clear marker of prosperity.
“Nowadays, even taking multivitamins shows you have money, and if you take dietary supplements, it means you’re doing well,” the source said. “Demand keeps growing despite the high prices because many want to show off their wealth.”
Supplements have also become popular gifts. Among North Korea’s powerful elite, exchanging vitamins has become trendy.
“People with money and power give each other dietary supplements as a ‘health first’ mentality takes hold,” the source said. “The import and distribution of supplements will only grow as this trend continues.”
