New Delhi, 07 October, 2025: The liver is one of the body’s hardest-working organs — it filters toxins, aids digestion, stores nutrients, and supports overall metabolism. But in recent years, there’s been a concerning rise in liver injuries linked to over-the-counter supplements, many of which are marketed as “natural,” “herbal,” or “safe.”
While supplements may promise everything from better energy and weight loss to glowing skin, not all of them are harmless. Experts warn that some ingredients can silently damage the liver, leading to inflammation, scarring, or even liver failure.
Why Supplements Can Harm the Liver
The liver metabolizes nearly everything we ingest — food, alcohol, and medication alike. When supplements contain concentrated plant extracts, synthetic compounds, or hidden ingredients, the liver can become overwhelmed.
Over time, this leads to drug-induced liver injury (DILI) — a condition where the liver becomes inflamed or scarred due to chemical overload. The danger lies in the fact that most people don’t realize it until symptoms appear.
Dr. Rajesh Patel, a gastroenterologist, explains, “People assume that if something is herbal or natural, it’s safe. But in reality, the liver can only handle so much — and certain herbal and fitness supplements can cause serious toxicity.”
Common Supplements That Can Damage the Liver
1. Green Tea Extract (High-Dose Capsules)
Green tea in moderation is healthy — but when taken in concentrated pill or powder form, it can cause liver toxicity. The compound catechin, found in green tea, helps in fat oxidation but becomes toxic when taken in excess.
Cases of acute liver failure have been reported among users of high-dose green tea extract for weight loss.
Better alternative: Drink brewed green tea instead of using high-dose extract pills.
2. Herbal and Ayurvedic Weight-Loss Pills
Many over-the-counter “slimming” or “fat burner” supplements contain unlisted or synthetic ingredients that put stress on the liver. These may include usnic acid, ephedra, or even steroids disguised under herbal names.
Studies have found that long-term use of such products can lead to hepatitis, jaundice, and chronic liver inflammation.
Better alternative: Focus on diet and exercise under medical supervision instead of quick-fix pills.
3. Bodybuilding and Muscle-Gain Supplements
Protein shakes and muscle-building supplements are popular among fitness enthusiasts, but not all are safe.
Some contain anabolic steroids, hormonal boosters, or creatine derivatives in high concentrations. These compounds can overload the liver’s detoxification pathways, resulting in fatty liver disease and enzyme imbalance.
Better alternative: Stick to clean protein sources like eggs, fish, and lentils — and use certified, lab-tested supplements only if prescribed.
4. Vitamin A Supplements
While Vitamin A is essential for vision and immunity, excessive intake — especially from supplements — can cause hypervitaminosis A, a toxic buildup that damages liver cells.
Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
Men who take multiple supplements (multivitamins, skin boosters, etc.) may unknowingly double their Vitamin A intake.
Better alternative: Get Vitamin A naturally from carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes instead of high-dose pills.
5. Kava, Comfrey, and Chaparral
These herbal ingredients, used in stress relief and liver cleansing teas, have been linked to severe liver injury.
- Kava (used for anxiety) can cause hepatitis-like symptoms.
- Comfrey and chaparral, often found in herbal detox mixes, contain alkaloids toxic to liver cells.
Better alternative: Always check herbal labels and consult a doctor before consuming detox blends.
Early Signs of Liver Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore
The liver doesn’t show symptoms until significant damage occurs. Watch for these early warning signs:
- Persistent fatigue
- Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stool
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Itchy skin or swelling in the legs
If you notice these signs and are taking supplements, consult a hepatologist immediately.
How to Protect Your Liver from Supplement-Related Damage
- Avoid self-prescribing supplements — always seek professional advice.
- Choose certified products with transparent labeling and quality checks.
- Never mix multiple supplements — ingredients can interact and increase liver toxicity.
- Limit alcohol — it amplifies supplement-induced liver stress.
- Get regular liver function tests (LFTs) if you take supplements regularly.
Dr. Meena Raghavan, a liver specialist, adds, “Most liver damage cases I see from supplements could have been avoided with basic awareness. People must realize that even herbal or vitamin products can have side effects if misused.”
The rising popularity of health and fitness supplements has created a silent epidemic of supplement-induced liver damage. Even products marketed as “natural” or “detoxifying” can have harmful compounds that strain your liver.
Remember — your liver doesn’t need detox supplements; it does the detoxing itself.
Protect it by being mindful of what you consume and always seek expert advice before starting any new supplement routine.
