It can be a bit overwhelming to wander into the supplement aisle of the grocery store. Doctors also warn that taking those supplements can even be dangerous if not done with caution – especially dangerous for the liver.
Dr. Joseph Galati, a liver specialist, joined Audacy this week to explain more.
“So, the reason is the liver is frontline and it’s going to process all of these things,” found in supplements. There is a wide range of these ingredients and they are combined in different ways that are not always tested, he said.
According to research published last year by scientists at Michigan Medicine, 15 million Americans were taking supplements that could be toxic to the liver.
Galati said that he has seen severe liver damage linked to supplement use, even damage requiring a liver transplant.
“It’s horribly sad, horribly sad,” he told KRLD’s “Ask the Expert” program.
Galati also noted that the supplement industry is still growing despite the risks.
“Unfortunately, the number of supplements that are out there is increasing year over year,” he said. “The supplement business is a billion-dollar business. And I really think that with the aftermath of COVID, we’ve all grown a little distrustful of the government and pharma and doctors saying you have to take vaccines.”
People tend to overlook potential safety concerns related to products marketed as “natural,” making supplements appealing to consumers, Galati said. However, he warned that just because “something is “natural” does not mean that it is safe.
For example, he mentioned turmeric. Used in small amounts for cooking, this “natural” ingredient is perfectly safe. In large quantities, it can be harmful to the liver.
“In the last 24 months, there have been a number of articles that turmeric is now becoming probably one of the most common toxins that are causing people to go into liver failure,” he said.
Other supplements can also have adverse reactions for people with certain conditions, such as fatty liver disease, people who take certain medications, or in combination with alcohol. Furthermore, Galati said that some supplements have been found with traces of prescription medicines such as antidepressants and ADD medication, which can also have a negative impact if not taken as advised by doctors.
On the other hand, he said that supplements that go through proper testing or that have a wealth of research to back them up could be safe and beneficial. Galati said that, for example, there is evidence that many people have vitamin D deficiencies and could benefit from supplements. Still, too much vitamin D could also cause adverse impacts.
To avoid liver damage, Galati has some advice. First, he recommends a balanced diet full of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans that should provide all the nutrients a human body might need. For those interested in taking supplements, he urged consultation with a medical professional first.
“To say that this is an important topic is an absolute understatement,” he said of the growing use of supplements.