Top News

Even with the healthiest of diets, we sometimes fall short of fueling our body with essential minerals, vitamins and nutrients. For this, we often take help of supplements, to boost energy or even support weight loss goals. However, not all supplements are safe, and some can indeed damage your liver. Let's take a look at this worrying fact...

What are dietary supplements
Dietary supplements are something we take for vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and other substances. It is said that supplements come in handy if we are unable to reach our nutrient goals through just food. They come in forms like tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. Common examples include vitamin D, calcium, green tea extract, turmeric, and bodybuilding supplements.

While many supplements are indeed helpful, some contain ingredients that may harm the liver, especially when taken in large amounts, or without consulting a doctor.


How can these damage the liver
The liver is an important organ responsible for filtering toxins, and processing nutrients. When overloaded, liver cells can become damaged, leading to liver inflammation, scarring, or in severe cases, liver failure, which is often irreversible.

How can supplements damage the liver

Toxic Ingredients: Some supplements contain compounds that are directly toxic to liver cells.

Unregulated: Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not strictly regulated. This means that most of them are available OTC (over the counter), at your local pharmacy, without the need of a doctor's note.

Long term use: Taking large amounts or using supplements for a long time can put strain on the liver, that can eventually give way.

Multi-Ingredient Products: Supplements for weight loss or bodybuilding often contain ingredients that can damage the liver.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Damage

Liver damage with supplements may develop slowly and can be hard to detect early. Common symptoms include

Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Pain or tenderness in the upper right abdomen
Swelling or bloating of the belly
Dark urine or pale stools
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fatigue or weakness
Confusion


Why are supplements not always safe

The efficacy of supplements comes into the scanner because

Most Supplements can be sold without thorough safety testing.

Labels may not list all ingredients or possible side effects. Even if they do, the writing is so small that most people ignore it.

Adverse reactions are usually not reported

The quality and concentration of ingredients can vary widely.

How to Use Supplements Safely

If you choose to take supplements, follow these safety tips to protect your liver:

Consult Your Doctor: Always talk to a doctor before starting any supplement, even if you do not have liver issues.

Research Ingredients: Learn about the potential risks and benefits of each supplement.

Avoid High Doses: Don’t exceed recommended amounts or take multiple supplements with the same ingredients.
Watch for Symptoms: Be alert for signs of liver trouble and stop use if symptoms appear.

Choose Reputable Brands: Buy supplements from trusted companies only.

Avoid Multi-Ingredient Weight Loss or Bodybuilding Products: These are often linked to liver injury.

Sources:
Orlando Health: Are Dietary Supplements Safe for Your Liver?
AARP: 6 Popular Supplements That Can Damage Your Liver
Pharmacist.com: Herbal Supplements: A Rising Threat to Liver Health
National Institutes of Health (PMC): Acute Liver Failure Caused by Dietary Supplements

---