Among the supplements that have entered the research field are ashwagandha, green tea extract, turmeric or curcumin.
Even though herbal supplements are labeled as natural, this does not necessarily mean that they are safe. It is supervised by state institutions. The fact that the side effects of supplements can be triggered by the interaction of herbs with drugs should always be evaluated.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have warned about the possible harmful effects of herbal supplements on the liver the results of the study were recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
6 potentially harmful ingredients
The researchers analyzed data from more than 9,500 US adults who participated in a dietary study. Their average age was 47.5 years.
Personal information provided by participants included the use of prescription drugs and herbal supplements.
The study authors focused on six herbal supplements that are considered potentially harmful to the liver.
These included ashwagandha (hypnotic withania somnifera), black cumin, garcinia cambogia, green tea extract, red yeast rice, turmeric or curcumin.
“Products that contain herbal ingredients have shown potential damage to the liver,” said study author Alisa Likhitsup, an associate professor at the University of Michigan.
“It is not fully known how the harmful effects on the liver occur, but it is likely to be related to metabolic processes in the liver,” said the researcher.
“As a practicing hepatologist, I have seen patients with liver damage from dietary supplements. Even urgent liver transplantation has been necessary, and sometimes such cases are fatal,” said A. Likhitsup.
After conducting the research, A. Likhitsup and her team found that about 58 percent all participants used herbs or dietary supplements at least once in 30 days.
About 5 percent of participants reported consuming at least one of six potentially liver-damaging plants in the past 30 days. Proportionately, this translates to about 15.6 million. of US adults.
The researchers emphasized that doctors should also assess the possible risks.
“We hope that the results of the study will increase the awareness of patients and health care providers about these potentially liver-damaging ingredients, as well as the fact that nutritional supplements on the market are not strictly regulated,” said A. Likhitsup.
She added that the ingredients of nutritional supplements are often inaccurately listed on the packaging, which makes it difficult to study their potential side effects.
Some studies show that more than 50 percent dietary supplements may be mislabeled.
Naturalness does not always guarantee safety
Experts not involved in the study also stressed that consumers should be warned about the possible side effects of herbal supplements. People must understand that using them can cause more harm than good to their body.
“Dietary supplements are not strictly regulated, so I am not surprised that they can pose a significant health risk, especially to the liver. They are believed to interfere with the liver’s ability to process and detoxify harmful substances.
This can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the liver, and then inflammation, cell death. In severe cases, liver failure may develop,” said gastroenterologist Rosario Ligresti.
Every doctor should warn their patients about the risks of these types of products and ask if they are using any of them, she said.
“Because ‘dietary supplements’ are supposedly made from natural ingredients, people are lulled into a false sense of security. Consumers may think that because the ingredients are “natural” they must be safe. However, it is important to remember that natural is not always safe. Some natural ingredients in high doses can be harmful or interact with medications,” the doctor warned.
Registered dietitian Monique Richard advises choosing foods instead of herbal supplements, such as adding more turmeric to your diet or drinking more green tea, depending on a person’s specific needs and goals.
“Wise words: Before buying promises in a bottle that can harm your health, liver and wallet, consult a specialist,” concluded Richard.
Parengta pagal „Medical News Today“ inf.
2024-08-22 15:13:04