Also, a different study found that nearly 50% of US adults consume dietary supplements, which contain micronutrients, herbs and proteins. They also take illegal anabolic steroids, which are synthetic “versions” of testosterone and are used to enhance their athletic performance. Accordingly, in Europe, there is an increase in the consumption of nutritional supplements.

“In general, liver damage from supplements is not the norm. However, when overconsumption is done without proper planning, or an uncontrolled combination of supplements is used, or taken for long periods of time, or also combined with conventional drugs, they can become harmful,” points out Mr. Eumenis P. Karafyllidis BSC (HONS), MSC, NYSCDN Clinical Dietitian – Nutritionist, Director of Dietetics Department Metropolitan General and continues:

“Hundreds of prescription drugs are associated with liver damage and serious side effects and are the main reason they fail to be promoted or, if rejected, re-enter the market.

It is problematic that the lesion can sometimes take months or years to develop and that patients often do not recognize the symptoms in the early stages. As the lesion progresses, patients may initially notice fatigue, itching and nausea. But then they may have to deal with yellowing of the skin, fluid build-up, bleeding and mental confusion.

The greatest risk of liver damage from prescription drugs is found in those that are proven to benefit patients and are necessary and necessary for them to take. But unlike drugs, many supplements have no proven benefits, only potential health risks. Also, unlike prescription drugs, which are taken only with a doctor’s prescription, consumers have free access to supplements that often come with promises to improve health, appearance, etc.

It is tempting for many that a capsule or powder or drink can so simply positively affect health or appearance, without the supervision and guidance of health care providers (eg, a licensed clinical dietitian),” she says.

To assess the extent of the phenomenon of liver damage due to consumption of dietary supplements, the researchers evaluated data from numerous published studies, much of which was also presented at a conference sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health. They also reviewed 130 cases of supplement-related harm over eight years on record in the US.

Steroids, long linked to liver damage, account for more than a third of cases in the US registry.

The remaining cases, however, were attributed to 116 different products, containing multiple ingredients, and there is little evidence as to which individual ingredient may be to blame. There are steroid-free supplements made up of green tea, blends labeled as “Chinese herbs,” “Korean herbs,” or “Ayurvedic formulations,” as well as vitamins and various other nutritional supplements.

Many cases of liver damage have been linked to products marketed under various company labels.

A limitation of the study is that the product labels do not have a complete list of their ingredients, which makes it difficult to determine exactly the ingredients of the supplements and the pattern of their composition.

The researchers also point out that complications from supplements can go undetected because consumers often do not disclose to their doctor that they are using the products and therefore are not routinely monitored for adverse effects they may cause. Buyers should in any case be skeptical of products made with implausible promises and understand that they cannot detect any dangerous ingredients on their own.

Are there any cases where supplements are needed?

“Of course”, he emphasizes, “reference should also be made to the necessity of taking nutritional supplements in certain cases. There are groups of patients and even healthy people who deal with nutritional issues, -related to diseases or caused by drugs -, with the help of supplements.

With the correct guidance, dosage, duration of administration and always under the supervision of the medical team and the clinical dietitian (with a license to practice and experience in the clinical environment), such preparations can provide the solution to problems when through food something such is difficult or even impossible in special cases.

Remember that no miracle product has been found, yet at least, that will build your muscles, detoxify your body, cure cancer, or promote rapid, long-lasting, weight loss.

At best, all these promising products are simply a waste of money. At worst they could take you to the hospital.

If you are considering starting nutritional supplements, or if you have already started using them, review all formulations with your physician or clinical dietitian with real experience in the clinical setting.

We are by your side with many years of experience in clinical practice, so we can help you choose the right supplement suitable for your health and the prevention of any side effects”, concludes Mr. Karafyllidis.