Millions of people consume supplements every day to achieve optimal health, but certain supplements on the market can potentially pose dangers to your liver. Discover what supplements experts are cautioning against and the methods to stay secure.
Introduction
Dietary supplements are now a staple in the lives of millions of people in this modern day and age of wellness. Supplements can promise a quick, simple, and natural cure for weight loss, stress, sleep difficulties, and healthy aging.
Step into any pharmacy or health shop or any online marketplace and you will see thousands of offers that promise to energize, improve immunity, sharpen concentration and promote longevity. But there is one thing that many consumers don’t realize:
However, there’s one important fact many consumers overlook:
Check for products that are independently tested for quality and clearly list ingredients.
In recent years, liver experts and medical investigators have been reporting an increasing number of liver injuries related to supplements. Sometimes the inflammation is mild, but sometimes it can cause serious liver damage and hospitalization is necessary. In very unusual cases, liver failure has even been reported.
The problem is that many of the supplements that are associated with liver issues are some of the most popular supplements available in the market today.
Your liver is important to keep your body healthy. It removes impurities, metabolizes nutrients, controls metabolism, and provides for hundreds of body processes. If any supplements are exerting too much pressure on this important organ, the results can be devastating.
Below are four popular supplements that medical professionals and researchers are continually finding to be potential liver dangers.
1. Green Tea Extract
Common Uses
- Weight-loss support
- Fat burning
- Antioxidant protection
- Metabolism enhancement
When used as a drink, green tea in itself is generally safe. The problem is if its active ingredients are put into supplement capsules.
There are several studies that have reported liver damage associated with high doses of green tea extract supplements, especially those who have taken weight loss products and/or supplements while fasting..
How It Can Damage the Liver
Green tea extract is rich in a potent antioxidant called EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate). While it’s good in small quantities, high levels can be harmful to liver cells.
The risk seems to be higher when:
- Withheld food
- High doses of consumption
When weight loss supplements are combined with other weight loss methods
Warning Signs
- Persistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dark-colored urine
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
2. Ashwagandha
Common Uses
- Stress management
- Anxiety reduction
- Improved sleep quality
- Hormonal balance support
Ashwagandha is quickly emerging as a one of the hottest herbal supplements worldwide. Many people have been reported to use it without any problems, but medical reports have been reported associated with liver injury.
There are published case studies of people developing jaundice and inflammation in the liver after using ashwagandha.
How it could be dangerous for the liver
Some naturally occurring compounds called withanolides are thought to cause liver damage in some people.
Those with preexisting liver disease seem to be at greater risk of liver disease complications.
Warning Signs
- Jaundice
- Chronic fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort
- High levels of liver enzymes in the blood
3. Niacin (Vitamin B3) in High doses
Common Uses
- Cholesterol management
- Heart health support
- Energy metabolism
Vitamin B3 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in overall health. But there can be trouble if very large quantities are taken for an extended period of time.
Therapeutic doses may be several thousand milligrams per day, while the small amount present in foods and conventional multivitamins can be easily achieved through diet.
How It Can Damage the Liver
Niacin is processed in the liver. Too much can overload the normal metabolic processes and help cause inflammation and damage to the liver.
It is thought that long-acting niacin preparations are at special risk
Warning Signs
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin)
4. Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements
Common Uses
- Joint support
- Inflammation reduction
- Arthritis relief
- General wellness
Turmeric is a spice that has been safely used in cooking for centuries. But supplements that contain concentrated amounts of curcumin may have significantly higher amounts of active compounds than culinary turmeric.
Recent research has been associated with liver damage in some individuals who take high doses of turmeric as a supplement..
How it can damage the liver.
Piperine (extract from black pepper) is included in many curcumin supplements. Piperine enhances absorption of curcumin by as much as 1,500%.
This increased uptake can make them more effective, but also allow the liver to be exposed to potentially harmful levels..
Warning Signs
- Severe fatigue
- Nausea
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
- Digestive discomfort
Taking supplements may stress the liver, but there are steps you can take to protect it.
If you take dietary supplements, here are some safety tips:
✔ Follow Recommended Dosages
There is no evidence that taking more than the recommended dose is more beneficial and it can simply increase risks for health.
✔ Be sure to notify your health care professional
Be sure to inform your doctor of all supplements you are taking, particularly prescription drugs.
✔ Avoid Mixing Multiple Supplements
Using more than one product might lead to overlapping ingredients and unwanted side effects.
✔ Monitor Your Health
If you experience any symptoms that are not normal since taking a supplement, discontinue use and consult your doctor or health care professional immediately.
✔ Choose Reputable Brands
Check for products that are independently tested for quality and clearly list ingredients.
Internal Links
External Links
Liver Safety Information
Supplement Safety
Drug and Supplement Induced Liver Injury
Consumer Supplement Guidance
Final Thoughts
When used responsibly, dietary supplements can provide great health benefits. Nevertheless, they are never to be taken for granted as being entirely safe as being sold over the counter or as natural products.
Liver injury has been reported with the use of green tea extract, ashwagandha, high dose niacin and concentrated turmeric supplements. While most users will never suffer from any major complications it is wise to know what to expect in order to make good health choices.
Always check with a qualified health care professional before beginning any new supplement, particularly if you have a liver disease or are on medication.
Your liver is busy protecting your body day-in and day-out. A decision made today can help to keep it healthy for years.
