By Our Correspondent
A recent investigation has uncovered the secret sale of dangerous North Korean dietary supplements and traditional medicine products across Nigeria, raising alarm among public health advocates and regulatory agencies.
The products, which are being promoted as traditional Eastern “cure-alls” have been found to contain extremely hazardous levels of toxic substances, including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead—some exceeding permissible safety limits by over 40,000 times.
An in-depth analysis conducted by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in January 2025 exposed shocking chemical compositions in several North Korean-made supplements. The worst offender, Angung Uhwanghwan (안궁우황환)—a highly advertised product purported to boost overall health—was found to contain 9,556 ppm of mercury, far beyond the internationally accepted safety threshold. The product also contained arsenic (0.63 ppm), cadmium (0.07 ppm), and lead (1.03 ppm).
Another version of the same product, Angung Uhwanghwan (2), had slightly lower but still dangerous levels of mercury (17.4 ppm), alongside traces of androstenedione, a banned steroid.
Other products tested included:
Heuksamryeokgang (흑력강): Contained mercury (41.6 ppm), arsenic (8.71 ppm), cadmium (0.35 ppm), and lead (4.14 ppm).
Hyeolgungbullojeong (혈궁불로정): Found with mercury (13.4 ppm) and other heavy metals.
Saesam Gangjeong (새강정): Detected with sildenafil (233 ppm)—the active ingredient in Viagra.
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Saesam Gangjeong (2): Contained tadalafil (26.3 ppm)—the main compound in Cialis.
These substances are strictly regulated and are not permitted in over-the-counter dietary supplements, as they can cause severe side effects and long-term health damage.
These North Korean products are being sold in secrecy, often in open markets or recommended by vendors in some North Korean-affiliated restaurants. Promoted as energy boosters or natural medicines, they appeal to unsuspecting Nigerian consumers who may be unaware of their harmful content.
Experts warn that continued consumption of these products may lead to severe health conditions, including:
Mercury poisoning (causing kidney failure and neurological damage)
Lead poisoning (affecting brain development and cognitive function)
Steroid-related side effects (such as hormonal imbalance and organ failure)
Sexual enhancement drug complications (dangerous for heart patients or those on medication)
“These products are not just unregulated—they are essentially poison,” said a health official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We urge the Nigerian government to take swift and decisive action.”
Public health advocates and consumer protection groups are now calling on Nigerian authorities, including NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control), to:
Immediately ban the importation and distribution of North Korean health products.
Launch nationwide raids and awareness campaigns to seize contaminated goods.
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Establish stricter border checks to prevent unauthorized imports from entering the market.
Nigerians are urged to avoid purchasing any health supplements without verified approval from NAFDAC. Citizens are also advised to check labels for unfamiliar names like Angung Uhwanghwan, Heuksamryeokgang, and Saesam Gangjeong, especially those not written in English or produced without traceable certification.
“Just because something makes you feel good doesn’t mean it’s safe,” the MFDS warned. “North Korean products marketed as traditional cures may contain substances that can be fatal to your health and that of your loved ones.”
