The company, founded by Thanh Hung Nguyen and Minh Anh Le in 2023, has so far launched capsules and powder products made using spirulina, a blue-green algae.
Nguyen was also inspired by his grandfather, Professor Duong Duc Tien, a leading scientist for algae and spirulina research in Vietnam known for being the first person to map out algae distribution across Vietnam and identifying 1,400 species and sub-species of microalgae in inland water bodies.
Aside from spirulina, TA Vital is also tapping into the benefits of other types of algae, including brown algae and red algae, to formulate a variety of wellness products.
An upcoming launch is TA Vital Carb & Fat Block - a weight management product that uses brown algae extract.
The product is said to support weight control by inhibiting the body’s digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and fats.
Brown algae extract works by inhibiting the active site of the enzyme lipase and preventing fat molecules from being broken down into monoglycerides.
Undigested fat molecules will then be passed down to the colon, where they will be excreted from the body.
A different approach
According to the duo, the “carbohydrate and fat-blocking” method differs from most weight management solutions currently sold in Vietnam, where breaking down fats or lipids is a common mechanism seen in weight management supplements.
“In the Vietnamese market, many traditional weight-management solutions rely on ingredients such as mangosteen extract, which is commonly promoted for its ability to break down existing or stored fats in the body,” Le told NutraIngredients.
“However, products built around this approach often push the body into rapid fat-mobilisation pathways. This can create fatigue and place stress on the body’s internal balance, which is not ideal for long-term health in a hot and humid climate.”
He said that other popular solutions on the market include “flush-out” or diuretic-type products that work by expelling water from the body.
Although the method may produce quick results, it can also cause dehydration, especially in Southeast Asia, where the humid climate is already causing people to perspire more than usual.
“We do not consider this a healthy or sustainable method of managing weight.
“Our development approach with TA Vital Carb & Fat Block is different. Instead of forcing the body into an extreme fat-burning state, we focus on reducing the digestion and absorption of carbs and fats from daily meals.
“This supports weight control while maintaining internal metabolic stability - allowing consumers to continue enjoying indulgences like rice, noodles, and local comfort foods without drastic lifestyle changes,” he said.
The company has conducted an in-house 16-week study of the product on eight overweight women with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 to 35.
He said that findings have shown a statistically significant reduction in body weight, body fat, and abdominal fat in individuals who took brown algae extract.
A study published in Nutrients in 2023 also reported how brown seaweed supplementation - specifically Laminaria digitata, Undaria pinnatifida, Acophyllum nodosum, and Fucus vesiculosus species - was significantly associated with improvements in postprandial blood glucose levels.
Lifestyle integration
Nguyen added that a weight management supplement that acts by blocking carbohydrate absorption can allow consumers to continue with their usual diets.
“Vietnamese cuisine — similar to many Southeast Asian diets — is naturally carbohydrate-heavy, centred around rice, noodles, banh mi, and pho. Completely avoiding these staples would be unrealistic and uncomfortable for most people.
“A carbohydrate-blocking product aligns well with this lifestyle by offering a way to support weight management without requiring people to give up their cultural food habits, enabling a more sustainable and approachable path to healthier living,” he said.
Finding a place among established Japanese brands
Spirulina is not new to Vietnamese consumers, but the market is largely dominated by Japanese brands, said Nguyen, who aims to build TA Vital as the go-to spirulina brand in Vietnam.
He said that among the Vietnamese, spirulina was known for blood lipid control and immune support. Lately, there is also a trend of consuming spirulina as a source of protein among vegans.
He added that most Vietnamese accessed spirulina products or fucoidan - a polysaccharide found in brown algae - during their trips to Japan, which could work to the firm’s favor as well.
“The Vietnamese spirulina market today is still dominated by Japanese brands, mostly brought in through tourist hand-carry channels.
“This leads to inconsistent pricing, limited brand support, and no structured consumer education. TA Vital sees an opportunity to build a more reliable and accessible presence in this category locally,” he said.
The company manufactures its health supplements via an OEM firm in Singapore.
NPD pipeline
The company also plans to make spirulina and algae bioactives into meal replacement and supplements for sleep, stress, and immune support.
Nguyen believes that spirulina and algae will not remain only as health ingredients, but could become a strategic food source in the future.
“We anticipate a significant rise in urban populations over the next few decades. As cities grow denser, the pressure on food systems will increase, and consumers will seek nutrient-dense, safe, and convenient functional foods to support modern, active lifestyles.
“This is why our R&D pipeline is moving toward microalgae-based nutrition, leveraging spirulina and other algae proteins for future meal-replacement formulas and functional beverages. The goal is to create convenient formats that support daily needs such as sleep, stress, immunity, and overall energy—using algae bioactives as the core foundation,” he said.
The company currently sells its products through e-commerce, boutique clinics, and over-the-counter (OTC) channels in Vietnam. It is also looking to launch in Singapore after the Lunar New Year next year, as well as in Hong Kong and the Philippines.
