Dietary supplements promise fitness and vitality. One study The portal “Lebensmittelklarheit.de” shows that many people in Germany also hope for a healthier life. Yes: one Study from the USA proves that some means harmful to the liver are.

Six dietary supplements that are harmful to the liver

The following six dietary supplements in the form of capsules or powder were most frequently consumed:

1. Turmeric (3.46 percent) : A majority of the test subjects took turmeric because of joint problems or inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis. Turmeric contains the substance curcumin, which is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
2. Green tea extract (1.01 percent) : Users hoped to increase their energy levels. In general, the extract, especially the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) it contains, is said to have a variety of effects: for example, it is said to strengthen the immune system, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and support weight loss through fat loss.
3. Ashwagandha (0.38 percent): Ashwaganda is an Ayurvedic herb, the so-called sleep berry, that is used to increase energy and relieve restlessness.
4. Black cohosh (0.38 percent): Black cohosh is often used to relieve menopausal symptoms.
5. Garcinia Cambogia (0.27 percent): Garcinia Cambogia is a plant with pumpkin-like fruits that grows in South Asia. The hydroxycitric acid (HCA) contained in the bark is used as a weight loss agent.
6. Products made from red yeast rice (0.19 percent): Red rice is rice fermented with a red mold. Red yeast rice supplements are said to naturally lower cholesterol levels.

The number of liver injuries has tripled

It has long been known that these dietary supplements may be harmful to the liver. “Our interest was piqued when we identified cases of liver toxicity from the ingestion of herbs and supplements in people participating in the ongoing NIH-funded DILIN study,” Alisa Likhitsup, clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Michigan and lead author of the study, said in a notice .

Background: DILIN stands for Drug Induced Liver Injury Network, a multicenter US observation program that collects and analyzes data from patients with hepatotoxic effects due to various medications and nutritional supplements. They found, for example, that the proportion of liver damage caused by dietary supplements has increased dramatically over the last 20 years:

• In 2004 to 2005 the rate was still 7 percent
• In 2013 to 2014 it was 20 percent

The number of cases has almost tripled. The number of liver transplants is also said to have increased by 70 percent between 2010 and 2020 due to damage caused by dietary supplements.

Consumer advice center warns against dietary supplements

The consumer advice center tirelessly points out this Health risks from dietary supplements “Consumers urgently need information about the sometimes randomly mixed cocktails of plant extracts, vitamins, minerals and various other substances,” it says pages .

The tricky thing is that many of these products are completely natural and hide the fact that plants and sometimes highly concentrated plant extracts could be harmful to health.

There is insufficient safety evidence for many exotic plants. Consumer advocates are also concerned that there is increasing evidence of liver damage caused by products containing turmeric, ashwagandha, garicina cambogia and green tea extract.

Which symptoms indicate liver damage caused by natural remedies

As the German liver aid As explained on their website, the following symptoms can indicate liver disease caused by natural remedies:

• loss of appetite,
• weight loss,
• Nausea,
• Fever,
• pain in the right upper abdomen,
• and urine dark color.

Legal regulations are long overdue

However, the study results do not mean that all of these plants are dangerous in their natural form: turmeric For example, as a spice, it is a safe food and also recommended in usual dosages – it can prevent or even alleviate digestive problems, explains the consumer advice center. Green tea can also be drunk without hesitation – there is also credible evidence of its health-promoting effects.

However, the consumer advice center is calling for clear legal regulations for dietary supplements – these are long overdue. Because they do not have to be approved before they come onto the market. However, targeted monitoring of these products is necessary, warn consumer advocates.