Herbal supplements have become incredibly popular in recent years, thanks in part to people promoting them on TikTok. However, worrying new research reveals that several of them could potentially harm your liver.
For the study, University of Michigan researchers analyzed data from six herbal supplements previously thought to be potentially hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver), including ashwagandha, green tea extract, turmeric and others.
But dietary supplements aren’t the only potential hazard. Data from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network show that rates of liver injury from herbal products increased from 7% in 2004-2005 to 20% in 2013-2014.
“The dietary supplement industry is largely unregulated, and what the label says may not match what’s actually in the bottle,” said Jessica Cording, MS, RD, author of The Little Book of Game Changers: 50 Healthy Habits to Manage Stress and Anxietytell Women’s Health.
Here’s what the latest study means and how to stay safe.
Meet the experts:Jessica Cording, MS, RD, author of The Little Book of Game Changers: 50 Healthy Habits to Manage Stress and Anxiety. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, toxicologist at MedStar Health.
What did the study reveal?
For the study, published in Opening of the JAMA networkThe researchers analyzed data from more than 9,500 U.S. adults with an average age of 47.5 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2017 to 2020.
The researchers focused on six supplements previously linked to liver damage:
- Ashwagandha
- Black cohosh
- Garcinia Cambogia
- Green tea extract
- Red yeast rice
- Turmeric/curcumin
Nearly 58% of study participants reported using a dietary or herbal supplement at least once in the past 30 days. About 5% of them reported taking at least one of the six dietary supplements in question.
If we extrapolate this 5% to the general population, researchers estimate that 15.6 million adults in the United States could be using herbal supplements that are potentially toxic to their liver.
“Given the lack of regulatory oversight over the manufacturing and testing of botanical products, clinicians should be aware of possible adverse effects associated with the consumption of these largely unregulated products,” the researchers wrote in the study.
Did Supplements Cause Liver Damage?
The results were statistically significant. However, it is important to note that the study did not find that supplements cause liver damage; instead, it was found that about five percent of participants were taking supplements that could cause damage. All six supplements studied had been linked to liver damage in previous research.
“It is not yet known how these products damage the liver, but it is probably due to the metabolism that occurs in the liver after consumption of the products,” he explained to Today’s Medical News.
Should I change my supplement regimen?
Regardless of the study’s findings, it’s important to know that herbal supplements can impact your health, Cording says. “Herbal supplements can be powerful,” she says. “Just because it’s an herb doesn’t mean it’s safe.”
For starters, the dose may be higher than you need. Plus, herbal supplements can interact with medications you’re taking, Cording says. Additionally, Cording adds that she’s seen patients take herbal supplements for extended periods of time, which also increases the risk of health problems.
“The results of this study should encourage people to use dietary supplements, including herbal and plant-based products, with caution,” said Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a toxicologist at MedStar Health. “Just because these products are sold as over-the-counter supplements and do not require a prescription does not necessarily mean they are safe.”
Cording says the study alone is unlikely to change the supplement industry, but it “contributes to the discussion” about the need for stricter regulation.
Finally, if you’re considering taking an herbal supplement, Cording recommends consulting with a licensed healthcare professional: a doctor, registered dietitian, or pharmacist. “It takes someone with some training to be aware of potential issues to watch for,” she says.
Johnson-Arbor agrees: “Because supplements can interact with other over-the-counter and prescription medications, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any supplements you take.”
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives near the beach, and hopes to one day own a teacup pig and a taco truck.
