Dietary supplements are products we ingest that contain concentrated forms of nutrients or substances that are found in food or plants.
Supplements can come in capsule, liquid, gummy, or powder form. We take them to ensure our nutritional needs are met, to address certain deficiencies, or to help us manage certain health conditions.
Although supplements can help us maintain or improve our overall health, they also pose risks, especially when taken at higher-than-recommended doses.
Certain supplements, when taken in excess, can cause serious damage to our organs. Our liver is most susceptible to this type of injury or damage because it filters and processes everything we ingest. Research published in the journal Hepatology and indexed by the National Library of Medicine estimates that 20% of drug-induced liver damage or injury is tied to herbal and dietary supplements. The following supplements are among those associated with liver damage or toxicity, when overused:
- Glutamine
- Turmeric
- Vitamin A
- Niacin
- Kava
- Green tea extract
- Black cohosh
- Bodybuilding or weight loss supplements
- Ma huang (Ephedra)
- Ashwagandha
- Skullcap
- John’s wort
The effects of overusing these supplements may be acute or develop over time. Signs and symptoms of liver damage include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
- Itching
- Dark urine
- Pale-colored stools
- Fluid in the abdomen
Researchers believe the prevalence of drug-induced liver damage, linked to supplements, is growing because more people are taking supplements, and a lot more of them.
Furthermore, supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) like prescription medications and may not always contain the exact dose listed on the label. Therefore, you may not always know what you are getting.
If you are considering adding supplements to your healthcare regimen, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your safety:
- Speak with your doctor before taking supplements
- Buy from reputable brands
- Look for third-party testing certifications from public health organizations such as NSF or USP
If you are experiencing symptoms of liver damage, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications.
To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.