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Can supplements damage your liver?

Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS

Yes, and it is increasingly common: herbal and dietary supplements now cause a meaningful share of drug-induced liver injury. Repeat offenders include green tea extract in weight loss pills, bodybuilding blends with hidden steroids, high-dose turmeric extracts, and multi-ingredient fat burners.

Natural does not mean gentle, and unregulated means the label may not match the bottle.

Tell your doctor everything you take, especially with abnormal liver enzymes, and stop supplements before repeat testing. Dark urine, yellowed eyes or deep fatigue while on any supplement means stop and get tested now.

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