New research has revealed that 20% of liver damage cases are caused by one common habit that many Brits might have assumed was healthy. A study conducted in the United States, sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease and the National Institutes of Health, examined the challenges of identifying and treating liver injuries caused by herbal and dietary supplements. The findings indicated that 20% of all liver damage cases result from taking a mixture of herbal and dietary supplements.
Main Perpetrators Identified
The primary culprits included anabolic steroids, green tea extract, and multi-ingredient nutritional supplements. However, the study included a disclaimer noting that due to the multiple ingredients in many products, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly which ingredient caused the damage.
Anabolic Steroids and Green Tea Extract
Anabolic steroids, often marketed as bodybuilding supplements, can cause long-lasting liver damage. In contrast, green tea extract and similar products are more likely to trigger sudden liver inflammation, similar to hepatitis.
Calls for Tighter Regulation
As supplement-related liver damage remains difficult to diagnose and treat, researchers are calling for tighter regulation of supplements and closer collaboration between doctors, chemists, and toxicologists to better identify harmful ingredients.
Consumer Survey Findings
Consumer group Which? recently conducted a survey that found 76% of participants took at least one supplement regularly, while 20% took four or more every day. These included vitamins, minerals, omega-3, probiotics, and herbal supplements.
Common Causes of Liver Disease
According to the NHS, the most common causes of liver disease include alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and haemochromatosis, an inherited condition.
Early Symptoms Often Absent
Most types of liver disease do not have identifiable symptoms in the early stages. Once symptoms start to show, liver damage is usually already done. Symptoms can include loss of appetite leading to weight loss, extreme exhaustion and weakness, yellow or itchy skin, and feeling or being sick.
Recommendations for Brits
It is recommended that Brits see a GP as soon as possible if they suspect they may have liver disease. Treatment can include healthy lifestyle changes, such as reducing or completely stopping alcohol consumption, or medication for conditions like hepatitis. In extreme circumstances, severe liver damage and scarring may require a liver transplant.
