Can supplements cause liver failure? Top US doctor reveals THESE safety tips

The supplement market is booming, and most of them are feeding on the insecurities of young people. While the supplements advised by qualified medical professionals are curated to your individual needs, the ones promoted by wellness gurus can often be harmful. You might have come across many multivitamins and gummies claiming to improve skin, strengthen nails, or hair. But do they really work? Most importantly, are these supplements even safe?

Can supplements cause organ failure

A young woman recently revealed that she took multivitamins for hair, nails, and skin health, and instead of the promised benefits, she ended up in a hospital with organ failure. Her skin, urine, and eyes became yellow, and the doctors found that her liver was dangerously damaged. So, can you end up in an emergency room for ‘just’ taking the vitamins? Dr. Joseph Salhab, a leading gastroenterologist based in Florida, with expertise in liver health, has recently explained what must have gone wrong. “I'm seeing more cases of liver failure due to certain harmful supplements. We're seeing an eightfold increase in liver failure. And in fact, 15 million Americans may be taking supplements that are harmful to their liver,” Dr. Salhab said in a video shared on Instagram.

How do supplements backfire

Supplements are supposed to substitute to the shortcomings in the body and improve health. But how do they backfire?

“It's not because supplements are inherently bad. In fact, there are a lot of good, beneficial supplements. But the problem is, is that the safety data for a supplement does not have to be proven before it hits the shelf, and anyone can make them. That means your favorite supplement can be contaminated with harmful ingredients and additives,” he said.

Supplements that damage the liver

The gastroenterologist also stated that certain supplements can cause liver damage and even liver failure. Why? “Because anyone can make them, they can be contaminated, and they don’t have to prove safety before you buy them,” he said.

The doctor also listed some common supplements that can cause liver failure. These include:

• Turmeric/Curcumin supplements
• Green tea extract
• Weight loss supplements
• Kava
• Black cohosh
• Unregulated herbal remedies imported from other countries with unknown ingredients

How to stay safe

(Pic courtesy: iStock)

Dr. Salhab also shared some tips to stay safe while taking supplements.

• Ensure the product is made by a reputable manufacturer/ company
• Ensure the ingredients are third-party verified
• A website named Liver Talks can tell you whether a supplement or ingredient has had documented cases of liver problems
• Regular liver checkups (every few months)

“The test I use is called a CMP. And always make sure that you tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking to make sure it's not interacting with anything,” he said.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or stopping any supplement.