Top doctor pinpoints the supplements that could lead to organ failure: 'They turn your liver into a science project gone wrong'
Natural substances like trendy herb Ashwaganda—said to boast energy and immune boosting benefits—can affect the organ's ability to rid the body of toxins.
Green tea extract and turmeric are also on the list of plants to be weary of, according to Dr Karan Rajan, NHS doctor with 1.7 million Instagram followers.
In a social media clip that has so far garnered nearly a million views, Dr Rajan urged the public to perform vital checks on the supplements they're taking to ensure they don't 'fry your liver'.
'Use LiverTox —a database of supplements and drugs that have been implemented with liver injury across multiple case reports.
'If it's listed under grade A,B or C, be extra cautious about the dose and what you're taking.
'Even the natural ones involve liver metabolism, meaning they go through the liver's biochemical sorting hat and get processed by liver enzymes.
'This can affect how hard your liver is working.'
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A post shared by Dr Karan Rajan (MRCS MBBS BSc) (@drkaranrajan)
Last year, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that Ashwaganda has been linked to potential liver toxicity.
Studies have shown that turmeric has also been linked with liver failure.
Dr Rajan stressed that taking multiple supplements at one time also carries potential dangers due to unknown interactions.
He said: 'If you are taking multiple herbal supplements, make sure there isn't significant overlap between the active ingredients of each one.
'You're creating a pharmacological cocktail with unknown synergy.'
This is also true for those who take common prescription drugs including statins and antidepressants, which can be made more potent or less effective when combined with supplements.
Dr Rajan advised consulting a doctor before taking any supplements that could interact with other medication.
'If you're on prescription medications like statins, blood thinners, anti-epileptics and anti-depressants, check for drug interactions with your pharmacist or doctor before starting any supplement,' he said.
The NHS warns taking herbal supplements could make other medicines trigger unexpected side effects.
It is also a good idea to look out for third-party labels on packets, to ensure that the product meets specific standards for safety, quality and performance, Dr Rajan advised.
This means that an independent organisation, such as NSF, Informed Choice or USP Verified, has reviewed the manufacturing process and deemed the supplements safe for consumption.
According to Dr Rajan, choosing supplements with this seal of approval should reduce the risk of ingesting impurities or banned substances that could lead to liver damage.
Dr Rajan was sure to point out that not all supplements are 'evil'.
'I even take a fair few myself, from omega-3, to vitamin D and even fibre,' he said.
Around half of all adults in the UK currently take vitamins, minerals or food supplements on a regular basis, according to a Food Standards Agency poll.
Yet studies have consistently found supplements to serve little benefit.
In 2018, a major study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the most popular supplements — multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin C — made no difference to the risk of heart disease, stroke or early death.
Last year, a woman from Pennsylvania warned of the harms of 'natural' supplements after she developed deadly liver damage within two months of taking a herbal supplement that she hoped would help menopause symptoms.
At first, she noticed that her mood had improved and she had more energy, but less than two months later, her eyes began to turn yellow.
A liver that is working poorly cannot get rid of bilirubin—a substance that triggers yellowing of the eyes and skin, medically known as jaundice.
She was rushed to emergency care, where specialists explained there was a chance she might need a liver transplant.
Doctors treating the mum-of four-concluded that the life-threatening problem appeared to be the result of the black cohosh she'd been taking.
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