Ekaterina Kashukh warns of liver risks from unsupervised supplement use

High-dose vitamins and some herbal supplements can damage the liver, gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh warned in an RT interview reported by Lenta.ru on October 10.

Kashukh identified high doses of niacin, or vitamin B3, concentrated green tea extract and supplements combining multiple ingredients as potential concerns. Some botanical substances can affect how the body processes medicines.

Severe injury can cause acute hepatitis and liver failure. Some patients may need an emergency transplant, she said. These are possible complications, rather than an inevitable outcome of taking any supplement.

Kashukh recommended discussing supplement use with a doctor, particularly for people with chronic liver disease or metabolic disorders. Prescribed high-dose vitamins may require monitoring of ALT, AST, bilirubin, GGT and alkaline phosphatase.

Persistent nausea, discomfort beneath the right ribs, dark urine and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes require prompt medical attention. Patients should tell their doctor about every supplement they take.

LiverTox confirms the liver injury risk from high-dose niacin and describes rare cases associated with green tea extract. Those findings should not be applied to ordinary consumption of green tea as a drink.