The supplement industry has experienced exponential growth in recent years, with the number of available products skyrocketing from 4,000 in 1994 to approximately 100,000 in the United States alone. In 2021, the global supplement industry was valued at $152 billion, and it is projected to reach $300 billion by 2028. The United States alone saw a ten-fold increase in the supplement industry, from $4 billion in the 1990s to $40 billion in 2019.
Unlike medicines, which are tightly regulated, the laws governing supplement manufacturers are limited, leading to concerns about the quality and safety of products. While supplement manufacturers are prohibited from claiming their products can treat or prevent specific diseases, they can use vague claims like “supports overall wellness” and “provides immune support.”
The rise in supplement usage has raised concerns about a potential increase in liver damage associated with their consumption. While liver damage due to supplements remains rare, it is essential to recognize that supplements are not a risk-free route to health.
The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification, neutralizing toxins before eliminating them from the body. However, overworking the liver can lead to liver damage, a risk that supplements, including herbal products, can pose if consumed in large quantities or contain harmful chemicals.
Studies have shown that between 2004 and 2013, the percentage of drug-induced liver injuries caused by dietary supplements increased from 7% to 20%. These injuries often result from untested plant extracts, combinations of extracts, poorly researched dietary ingredients, or the intentional addition of approved or unapproved drugs by manufacturers.
Herbal supplements, often marketed as containing natural ingredients, can mislead consumers into thinking they are safe and can be consumed in unlimited quantities. However, even essential micronutrients like vitamin A can be harmful in excess, emphasizing the importance of balance in supplement intake.
Some supplements have been linked to severe liver damage, such as the case of OxyELITE Pro, a weight-loss and muscle-building supplement that caused an outbreak of acute hepatitis in Hawaii in 2013. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in supplement usage, with one immune booster supplement causing a hepatitis-like outbreak in some individuals.
While liver damage from supplements remains rare, it is essential to approach supplement usage with caution. A diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes can provide all the necessary nutrients without the need for supplements unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
By making informed choices and prioritizing a balanced diet, individuals can support their health and reduce the risk of potential harm associated with supplement consumption.
