A new study reveals that More than 15 million Americans may be negatively affecting their liver health by consuming products such as turmeric, green tea, ashwagandha, and Garcinia cambogia, among others.
Researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, have warned about the risks associated with the use of these supplements. In their research, which covered data from 2017 to 2021 and analyzed 9,685 people, they found that approximately 4.7% of adults in the United States had consumed at least one of six potentially dangerous herbal supplements in the past 30 days. These supplements include turmeric, green tea extract, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, black cohosh, and red yeast rice.
The popularity of these products has grown exponentially due to their reputation for promoting health naturally. Turmeric, for example, is commonly used for joint health and the treatment of arthritis, while green tea is prized for its ability to boost energy.
Garcinia cambogia is promoted as a weight loss supplement, and black cohosh is used to alleviate hot flashes during menopause. Red yeast rice, meanwhile, is popular for improving cardiovascular health. However, unsupervised consumption of these supplements can carry serious risks.
The associated risks do not come from the moderate consumption of these ingredients as part of a normal diet, but from the use of concentrated extracts in high doses. Adverse effects may include liver toxicity, which can manifest in symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, itching, rash, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin. In severe cases, liver toxicity can lead to the need for a liver transplant or even death.
Although herbal supplement-related liver toxicity is not a new concern, researchers have noted an increase in cases requiring hospitalization. Between 2004 and 2014, hospitalizations related to herbal supplement use increased from 7% to 20%, a growth that underscores the need for increased awareness and caution among consumers.
The study led by Alisa Likhitsup, an assistant professor of gastroenterology, highlighted that the use of dietary and herbal supplements is associated with an increasing number of cases of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. This condition, also known as toxic liver disease, can be treated by removing the offending supplement, but if not addressed in time, the consequences can be fatal.
Despite the risks, researchers are not advocating total abstinence from herbal supplement use, but instead are advocating for more conscious and educated use. They urge consumers to pay attention to supplement ingredients and dosages, especially if combined with other medications. They also call on physicians to include a detailed history of supplement use when evaluating patients with unexplained symptoms or liver test abnormalities.
One of the main concerns highlighted in the study is the lack of regulatory oversight in the production and marketing of these supplements. Unlike prescription drugs, which must undergo rigorous clinical trials before being approved, botanical supplements are not held to the same standards. This has led to inconsistencies in the advertised dosages and safety testing of these products.
Researchers also pointed to the need for more robust clinical trials to assess the benefits and risks of these supplements. Although some studies have shown positive effects, scientific evidence is still insufficient to support their widespread use at high doses. Safe dosage recommendations should be tailored to each individual, taking into account factors such as liver health and existing medication.
In an effort to address these concerns, the Australian Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 2023 about the risk of liver damage associated with consuming turmeric or curcumin in supplement form. Although consuming turmeric as a spice in the daily diet does not appear to be associated with these risks, the use of concentrated extracts poses a significant threat to liver health.
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