Liver damage can be difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms often resemble common digestive problems.
According to liver specialist Lily Dara of Keck Medicine of USC in California, nausea, general discomfort and abdominal pain can be early signs of liver damage.
However, yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes is a serious warning sign. Dara recommends seeking medical attention promptly if jaundice is suspected.
In rare cases, the damage can progress to liver failure, potentially requiring a transplant, according to Norwegian news outlet ABC Nyheter.
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The risk varies significantly
Not everyone experiences side effects from taking dietary supplements. According to Dara, the risk depends on several factors, including dosage, the composition of the product and genetic factors.
The American medical reference database LiverTox has documented cases of liver damage associated with various dietary supplements, ABC Nyheter reports. However, such reactions are considered rare.
Dara also stresses that people with existing liver disease should exercise particular caution and consult a doctor before taking new supplements.
Three ingredients raise particular concern
According to ABC Nyheter, Dara highlights three ingredients that have been linked to acute liver damage.
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These are green tea extract containing EGCG, turmeric supplements containing curcumin, and ashwagandha.
The concentration of these substances is an important factor. Turmeric used as a spice, for example, differs from dietary supplements containing high doses of curcumin.
Norwegian authorities have also introduced regulations for green tea extract. The recommended daily dose must contain less than 800 milligrams of EGCG, and the packaging must carry specific warnings.
According to Dara, dietary supplements should generally not be taken without medical advice, particularly by people who already have liver problems.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.