bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

sponsorType

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

copyrighted

customTimezone

liveContents

Zoey Zhang

Doctors in China issued a critical health warning after a well-known actress drew significant attention when she added “height-boosting” medicine to her 11-year-old son’s meals.
Deng Sha, 38, celebrated for her roles in popular Chinese costume TV dramas and boasting 7 million followers on Weibo, shared a video of herself preparing a nutritious dish for her son.
During the cooking process, Deng sprinkled some powder from a “height-boosting” drug onto the food.
She stated that her son, affectionately nicknamed Big Linzi, was among the shortest boys in his class, standing at 146cm compared to the average height of between 160cm and 170cm.

Big Linzi appeared on a renowned reality television show named Super Mom alongside Deng. His adorable and polite demeanour left a lasting impression on viewers.
The video rapidly became front page news across mainland China’s internet and has garnered over 100 million views on Weibo.
There is currently no evidence supporting the effectiveness of the capsules, and the specific brand and supplement composition were not disclosed.
In China, certain children’s health supplements marketed as “height enhancers” contain Vitamin D and the amino acid L-lysine, typically priced between 200 and 400 yuan (US$28-US$56) per bottle.
Reports from the mainland indicate that the National Medical Products Administration has not approved any drugs or medical devices for height enhancement. All products claiming such effects are likely engaging in false advertising, and their use could potentially endanger children’s health.
Doctors in China strongly caution the general public against using such height-boosting supplements on children.

Ma Huijuan, a paediatric expert at Zhejiang Zhongshan Hospital, informed Shanghai Television that while these products may temporarily stimulate growth, they can also prematurely close a child’s growth plates, potentially leading to various side effects.
Ma highlighted that Big Linzi’s height falls within the normal range for children.
She further noted that a child’s height is primarily influenced by genetics and can be effectively supported through a balanced diet and adequate Vitamin D from sunlight.
Online, Deng received a mixture of support and criticism, igniting a vibrant debate among netizens.
One online observer advised Deng not to fret unduly about her son’s height, pointing out that boys typically experience a rapid growth spurt during secondary school.
However, Deng countered that argument, stating: “What if he does not grow taller later? It would be too late to do anything by then.”
Another individual expressed solidarity with Deng, commenting: “Every parent wants their child to grow healthy and strong. A mother would certainly not wish harm upon her son.”
There have been additional reports of attempts at height enhancement throughout China.
A 29-year-old man from central China’s Henan province felt inferior due to his height of only 164cm. He underwent leg-lengthening surgery costing 100,000 yuan (US$14,000), only to be dissatisfied with the uneven results in his legs.


China mum claims staff negligence after son falls during ‘wild’ run in shop, ignites debate

China Rolls-Royce owner declines compensation from truck driver, upset by online fame claims

Taiwan singer Vivian Hsu inspires others with cancer journey, stays fit, cherishes privacy

‘Witch flies’ above China on broomstick, Taliban tourism boom, fake visitor attraction and more latest videos

Trending in China

China actress warned by doctors after adding ‘height-boosting’ drugs to son’s food

A Chinese actress was cautioned by doctors after she added height-enhancing drugs to her son’s food. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Xiaohongshu


Deng noted that her son, at 146cm, was one of the shortest in his class, which led her to regularly add height-enhancing medication to his food. Photo: QQ.com

The National Medical Products Administration has not approved height enhancement products, suggesting they may be falsely advertised and risky for children. Photo: Shutterstock

China dad wins US$3.4 million after 7 years using family birthday digits for lottery tickets

A father in China has finally won US$3.4 million after using family birthdates to buy lottery tickets for seven years. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

Eyes on the prize: winner Huang, right, is all smiles as he collects his lottery windfall. Photo: Baidu

The persistent use of his family’s birthdates to buy tickets finally paid off for Huang. Photo: Baidu

China husband accused of abuse flees courtroom with wife on his back, refusing to divorce

A Chinese man, facing abuse allegations, fled the courtroom carrying his wife on his back, refusing to divorce her. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Weibo

During the initial hearing, the court denied the divorce, suggesting that reconciliation remained a possibility. Photo: Shutterstock

In the end, through court mediation, the couple chose not to divorce; the wife decided to give her spouse another opportunity to mend their marriage. Photo: AP

Probe into ‘AI fake’ audio clip claiming  100-million-fan China KOL had ‘love affairs’

A fake audio clip claims a popular Chinese KOL with 100 million followers had an affair with an influencer from his company. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

The AI-generated fake audio clip alleges romantic affairs involving Crazy Xiaoyangge, middle, and a business partner. Photo: Douyin

Crazy Little Brother Yang’s live-streams are watched by millions of people online. Photo: Douyin

Japan temple sells ramen to fund maintenance of wooden planks for printing Buddhist scriptures

To support the upkeep of 60,000 wooden planks used for printing Buddhist scriptures, a Japanese temple sells ramen. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/YouTube

The wooden tablets have been designated as “important cultural properties” by the Japanese government. Photo: Weixin

The vegetarian ramen prepared by temple volunteers has generated significant online buzz and discussions. Photo: Weixin

Wheatgrass stood on by US rapper Kayne West at China concert sells for US$43 post-event

Wheatgrass stepped on by US rapper Kayne West at his recent concerts in China is selling online for US$43 a bundle. Photo: SCMP composite/Taobao/AP/threads.net

The US rapper stood among wheatgrass when he appeared on stage in China. Photo: Weibo

The stage grass stepped on by West is selling for a range of prices on mainland social media. Photo: Weibo

News

People & Culture

Video was viewed over 100 million times, sparking concerns from doctors about false promises with potential side effects


Video was viewed over 100 million times, sparking concerns from doctors about false promises with potential side effects.


Health in China

Parenting: teens