6 current supplements that could harm your liver

Food supplements and plant -based may seem harmless, but a recent study shows that six popular supplements are linked to liver damage.

1. Curcuma

Turmeric is a popular food supplement for arthritis management, digestive problems and liver diseases. However, some evidence suggest that turmeric supplements can damage the liver. Supplements with black pepper can cause additional damage as this improves the absorption of turmeric.

A 2023 study has shown an increase in liver damage induced by turmeric in the United States. Researchers have examined data from the US network of liver injuries induced by the drug between 2004 and 2022. Only ten cases of liver damage to turmeric have been reported, but six of them have taken place since 2017.

2. Green tea

Green tea supplements have been marketed as weight loss and cancer control agents. Consuming too much of a specific compound in green tea – the gally of epigallocatechine (EGCG) – can harm the liver.

“Ordinary tea consumption, around 3 to 5 cups per day, does not present the same risk, as food intake offers much lower EGCG levels,” Telwell told a Caroline Susie, RDN, a dietitian and spokesperson recorded in Dallas.

3. Ashwagandha

Some people take Ashwagandha to relieve stress or to support overall health. There have been reports of liver injuries linked to Ashwagandha in the United States

“The precise toxic threshold is unknown, but the reported cases involve high -dose extracts rather than traditional radicular powders,” said Susie.

Although high-dose extracts can harm, a low food intake of Ashwagandha is generally safe, she added.

It is important to speak with a trusted health care provider before taking Ashwaganda, especially if you have a history of liver disease. Taking Ashwagandha with other supplements can cause additional damage.

4. Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia Supplements containing hydroxycitric acid (HCA) were presented for weight loss. These can interact with other drugs and have been linked to liver damage.

“The risk is higher when combined with other weight loss supplements,” said Susie.

5. Red yeast rice

Red yeast rice supplements are said to help reduce cholesterol. These contain a natural statin that can cause liver damage, said Nima Majlesi, Do, a medical toxicologist at the Northwell Staten Island University Hospital.

People who take higher doses tend to have a greater risk, but due to a lack of regulation, you don’t always know how much you take, he added.

Case reports have linked red yeast rice to liver problems. A 2019 case report showed that a 64 -year -old woman experienced liver inflammation six weeks after starting a red yeast yeast rice. Once she stopped taking the supplement, her liver enzymes fell, which suggests that her liver was recovering.

6. Cohosh black

Black Cohosh is a plant -based product used to manage the symptoms of menopause. Some reports have linked “Black Cohosh” supplements to serious liver damage.

Taking black Cohosh with other drugs or supplements can cause liver damage. It is important to always speak with a self -confidence health care provider for all the drugs and supplements you take.

Should you avoid these six supplements?

It is important to consider risks before taking an additional cost, not just these six. Studies have also shown that supplements are often wrong, so you don’t always know exactly what you are taking.

“All the supplements, you must question. The reality is that this industry is so badly regulated, we have no idea, in fact, what is in many of them,” said Majlesi.