Are Your Supplements Safe? What You Need to Know About Botanicals and Liver Health

Are Your Supplements Safe? What You Need to Know About Botanicals and Liver Health

In recent years, herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) have become increasingly popular in the United States. Many people turn to these supplements, believing they offer natural ways to improve health and treat minor ailments. However, a new study has raised concerns about the potential risks these supplements pose to liver health.

What the Study Found

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open looked at the use of six specific herbal supplements known to potentially harm the liver. These include turmeric, green tea extract, Garcinia cambogia, black cohosh, red yeast rice, and ashwagandha. The study, conducted by Dr. Alisa Likhitsup and her team, found that about 4.7% of U.S. adults—equivalent to roughly 15.6 million people—had used at least one of these potentially harmful supplements in the past 30 days.

The Most Common Supplements

Of the six supplements studied, turmeric was the most commonly used, followed by green tea extract, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh. People often take these supplements for various reasons, such as improving joint health, boosting energy, losing weight, or managing menopause symptoms.

Despite their popularity, many users are unaware of the risks these supplements may pose. Most people who take these botanicals do so without any recommendation from their doctors, relying instead on marketing claims and popular beliefs about the health benefits of these “natural” products.

The Hidden Dangers of Hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity means liver damage caused by chemicals. While the liver is a strong organ that can regenerate after injury, repeated or severe damage can lead to serious health problems like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or even liver failure. The study highlights that the risk of liver damage from these botanicals is significant, especially given the lack of regulation in their production and testing.

For example, turmeric and green tea extract are generally considered safe when consumed in small amounts, such as food or tea. However, when taken in large, concentrated forms as supplements, they have been linked to liver damage. Garcinia cambogia, often marketed as a weight loss supplement, has even been associated with cases of acute liver failure.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The study found that users of these potentially harmful botanicals are often older, more educated, and more likely to have chronic conditions such as arthritis. These users are also more likely to take prescription medications, raising concerns about how these supplements might interact with other drugs, potentially worsening their impact on liver health.

Many of these individuals take multiple supplements at the same time, which can increase the risk of adverse effects. For instance, users of red yeast rice and ashwagandha were found to take an average of four different supplements, which could put extra strain on their livers.

The Lack of Regulation

One of the major issues highlighted by the study is the lack of strict regulation in the supplement industry. Unlike prescription drugs, which must undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness, dietary supplements do not face the same scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the actual contents of these products can vary widely from what is listed on the label, and their effects on the liver are poorly understood.

The study’s authors call for stronger regulation, including mandatory safety testing of supplements and accurate labelling of their ingredients. They also urge healthcare providers to educate their patients about the potential risks of these supplements, especially those with known liver-toxic effects.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

If you use or are considering using herbal supplements, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks to your liver health. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Talk to Your Doctor: Before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking prescription medications or have a chronic health condition, consult your doctor. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits based on your health needs.
2. Do Your Research: Look for reliable information on the safety and effectiveness of the supplement you are considering. Be sceptical of marketing claims that sound too good to be true, and seek out scientific studies or reviews from trustworthy sources.
3. Know the Signs of Liver Problems: If you experience symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, fatigue, or unexplained nausea, stop taking the supplement and see a doctor immediately. These could be signs of liver damage.
4. Avoid Multiple Supplements: Using several supplements simultaneously can increase the risk of negative interactions and side effects. Stick to a few well-researched products that meet your specific health needs.

Take home message

While herbal and dietary supplements are popular, they are not without risks. As a recent study shows, some botanicals can pose serious threats to liver health, especially when taken in large doses or combination with other supplements or medications.

Consumers should approach these products with caution and seek advice from healthcare professionals. At the same time, there is an urgent need for better regulation of the supplement industry to ensure these products are safe and accurately labelled. Only with proper oversight can consumers make informed decisions about their health.