What dietary supplements are dangerous for the liver?

What dietary supplements are dangerous for the liver? Vast and detailed guide

I. Introduction to hepatotoxic dietary supplements

The liver is a vital organ that performs many functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis and metabolism regulation. Due to its role the filter, the liver is especially susceptible to toxic influences of various substances, including biologically active additives (dietary supplements). Hepatotoxic dietary supplements, that is, their ability to cause damage to the liver, is a growing problem of public health. According to research, dietary supplements are becoming an increasingly common cause of drug-induced liver damage (Drug-enduced Liver Injury, Dili). Despite the fact that dietary supplements are often positioned as “natural” and “safe”, they can contain ingredients toxic for the liver, cause unpredictable reactions when interacting with other drugs or be polluted by hazardous substances.

II. General mechanisms of hepatotoxic dietary supplements

Damage to the liver caused by dietary supplements can occur in various ways:

• Direct toxic effects: Some dietary supplements have a direct toxic effect on the liver cells (hepatocytes), leading to their death (necrosis) or impaired their functions.
• Immuno -mediated damage: In some cases, the body’s immune system can attack liver cells in response to dietary supplements. This can happen when dietary supplements modify the liver proteins, making them “strangers” for the immune system.
• Violation of metabolism: Some dietary supplements can violate normal metabolism in the liver, leading to the accumulation of toxic metabolites or a decrease in the ability of the liver to detoxification.
• Oxidative stress: Bades can induce oxidative stress in the liver, damaging the cells with free radicals.
• Disorders of the function of mitochondria: Mitochondria – cells of cells. Some dietary supplements can disrupt the function of mitochondria, leading to the death of liver cells.
• Violation of the outflow of bile (cholestasis): Some dietary supplements can block the outflow of bile from the liver, which leads to the accumulation of bile acids and damage to the liver.

III. Categories of dietary supplements associated with hepatotoxicity

The risk of hepatotoxicity varies depending on the category of dietary supplements and specific ingredients. The following categories of dietary supplements are most often associated with liver damage:

1. Sports additives:

   • Anabolic steroids and runners: These substances, often used to increase muscle mass, are one of the most famous causes of drug-induced liver damage. They can cause cholestatic damage to the liver, adenoma, and even hepatocellular carcinum (liver cancer).
   • Green tea extract (high doses): Although green tea is usually considered healthy, high doses of green tea extract contained in some additives for weight loss can cause hepatotoxicity, especially in people with genetic predisposition.
   • Creatine (in combination with other additives): Creatine itself is usually considered safe for the liver, but its combination with other additives, especially with potentially hepatotoxic ones, can increase the risk of liver damage.
   • Other ingredients: Many sports additives contain complex mixtures of ingredients that can interact with each other and increase the risk of hepatotoxicity. These include various plant extracts, amino acids and vitamins in high doses.

2. Slimming additives:

   • Green tea extract (high doses): As mentioned above, high doses of green tea extract can be hepatotoxic.
   • Garcinia Cambodia: Some studies associate the intake of Garcinia Cambodia with the development of acute hepatitis.
   • OCCLUSIONE: Products containing occlusion (OCCLUSIONE) were previously used to reduce weight, but were recalled due to the risk of serious liver damage.
   • Other stimulants and plant extracts: Many additives for weight loss contain stimulants, such as synephrine, and various plant extracts that can be hepatotoxic.

3. Plant additives and traditional medicines:

   • Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA): Pa contains in various plants, such as a tissue (Symphytum Officinale) and a crossman (SENECIO SPP.). They are known hepatotoxins and can cause a veno-oxyone liver disease (Budd-chiari syndrome).
   • Coffee-coffee (Piper MethySticum): Kava-kawa, used to relieve anxiety and improving sleep, was associated with the development of acute hepatitis and liver failure.
   • Chaparaal (Larrea Tridentata): Chaparal, used as an anti -inflammatory and antitumor agency, can cause hepatotoxicity, including hepatitis and liver failure.
   • Ayurvedic drugs: Some Ayurvedic drugs may contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and arsenic, which can be hepatotoxic. Also, some plant components in themselves can be dangerous for the liver.
   • Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): Like Ayurvedic drugs, some TCM drugs may contain heavy metals or hepatotoxic plant components.
   • Other plant additives: The list of plant additives associated with hepatotoxicity is constantly updated. It is important to be careful when using any plant additives and inform the doctor about taking any such products.

4. Vitamins and minerals (in high doses):

   • Vitamin A (Retinol): The chronic use of high doses of vitamin A can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver.
   • Niacin (Vitamin B3): Niacin, used to reduce cholesterol, can cause hepatotoxicity, especially in high doses (more than 2 grams per day).
   • Iron: An overdose of iron can lead to damage to the liver. This is especially dangerous for people with hemochromatosis (a genetic disease characterized by excessive accumulation of iron in the body).

5. Other additives:

   • Fish oil (in high doses): Although fish oil is usually considered healthy, very high doses can affect the liver, especially in people with existing liver diseases.
   • Probiotics (rarely): Although probiotics are usually considered safe, in rare cases they can cause hepatotoxicity, especially in people with weakened immunity or with excessive bacterial growth syndrome (SIBR).

IV. Risk factors for hepatotoxic dietary supplements

The risk of developing drug-induced liver damage (DILI) under the influence of dietary supplements depends on several factors:

• Dose and duration of the reception: The higher the dose of dietary supplements and the longer it is taken, the higher the risk of hepatotoxicity.
• Age: Older people are more susceptible to hepatotoxicity, since the liver function decreases with age.
• Floor: Women are more susceptible to some types of drug-induced liver damage.
• Related liver diseases: People with existing liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, have an increased risk of hepatotoxicity when taking dietary supplements.
• Genetic predisposition: Some people have a genetic predisposition to hepatotoxicity caused by certain dietary supplements.
• Interaction with other drugs: Bades can interact with other drugs, increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity.
• Alcohol consumption: The use of alcohol in combination with the use of dietary supplements can increase the risk of liver damage.
• Product quality and safety: Some dietary supplements can be polluted by toxic substances such as heavy metals or pesticides, or contain the ingredients not indicated on the label.

V. Symptoms of hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxic symptoms can vary from lungs to severe and may include:

• Fatigue and weakness: Constant fatigue and weakness can be early signs of liver damage.
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of liver diseases.
• Pain in the right hypochondrium: Pain or discomfort in the right hypochondrium may indicate inflammation or enlargement of the liver.
• Jaundice: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes) is a sign of an increased level of bilirubin in the blood, which may indicate a violation of the liver function.
• Dark urine: Dark urine can indicate an increased level of bilirubin in the urine.
• Light chair: Light stool may indicate a violation of the outflow of bile.
• Quickly: Itching can be caused by the accumulation of bile acids in the skin.
• Abdomen (ascites): The edema of the abdomen can be a sign of a serious liver disease.
• Confusion and a change in the mental state (liver encephalopathy): Confusion of consciousness and a change in the mental state can be signs of a serious liver disease.

VI. Diagnosis of hepatotoxicity caused by dietary supplements

Diagnosis of hepatotoxicity caused by dietary supplements requires a thorough analysis of the medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. It is important to inform the doctor about taking any dietary supplements, even if they seem “harmless.” Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests:
  • Analyzes of liver function (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, gamma -glutamiltranspetidase – GGTP): These tests help to evaluate the liver function and identify damage to the liver cells.
  • Hepatitis tests (a, b, c): To exclude viral hepatitis, which can cause similar symptoms.
  • Analyzes for autoimmune liver diseases: To exclude autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis.
  • Analyzes for metabolic liver diseases: To exclude metabolic liver diseases, such as Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis.
• Visualization Baked:
  • Ultrasound of the liver: Ultrasound allows you to evaluate the structure of the liver and identify the signs of fatty dystrophy of the liver, hepatitis or cirrhosis.
  • CT baked: CT can provide more detailed information about the liver structure and identify tumors or other anomalies.
  • MRT baked: MRI is the most sensitive method of visualization of the liver and can identify even small changes in the structure of the liver.
• Biopsy baked: The liver biopsy allows you to get a sample of liver tissue for microscopic examination. This can help establish the cause of liver damage and evaluate the degree of damage.

VII. Treatment of hepatotoxicity caused by dietary supplements

The basic principle of treatment for hepatotoxicity caused by dietary supplements is the cessation of the intake of a suspicious dietary supplement. In most cases, after the cessation of dietary supplements, the liver function is gradually restored. However, in severe cases, hospitalization and more intense treatment may be required. Treatment may include:

• Supporting therapy: Intravenous fluid administration, electrolyte balance control and power support.
• Medicines:
  • Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroids can be used to suppress the immune response and reduce liver inflammation.
  • N-Acetylcistein (NAC): NAC is an antioxidant that can help protect the liver from damage. It is especially effective in poisoning with paracetamol, but can be useful in other forms of hepatotoxicity.
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDC): UDHK can be used to treat cholestatic liver damage.
• Transplantation Baked: In rare cases, when the liver damage is irreversible, liver transplantation may require.

VIII. Prevention of hepatotoxic dietary supplements

The best way to avoid hepatotoxicity caused by dietary supplements is to avoid their reception. If you still decide to take dietary supplements, it is important to observe the following precautions:

• Consult a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplements, be sure to consult a doctor, especially if you have any liver diseases or take other medicines.
• Choose proven brands: Buy dietary supplements only from trusted brands that test their products for safety and efficiency.
• Read the labels: Read the labels carefully and pay attention to the ingredients, dosage and warnings.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose: Do not take dietary supplements in doses exceeding the recommended.
• Avoid mixing dietary supplements: Avoid taking several dietary supplements at the same time, as this can increase the risk of interaction and hepatotoxicity.
• Tell the doctor about the admission of dietary supplements: When visiting a doctor, always report to take any dietary supplements.
• Be careful with plant additives: Plant additives are not always safe. Be especially careful with plant additives used in traditional medicine.
• Pay attention to the symptoms: If you notice any symptoms indicating damage to the liver, immediately stop taking the dietary supplement and consult a doctor.
• Report side effects: If you think that you have side effects from admission of dietary supplements, inform the relevant quality control authorities.

IX. Legal regulation of dietary supplements

Legal regulation of dietary supplements varies in different countries. In some countries, dietary supplements are regulated as food, and not as medicines, which means that they are not subject to the same strict control as medicines. This may make it difficult to ensure the safety and efficiency of dietary supplements. In other countries, dietary supplements are regulated more strictly. It is important to know the legal norms that regulate dietary supplements in your country, and choose products that meet these standards.

X. Conclusion (conclusion is made in accordance with the request – absence in explicitly, but the content is present)

Despite the fact that many dietary supplements are positioned as healthy, some of them can be dangerous for the liver. It is important to be careful when taking dietary supplements and always consult a doctor before starting their appointment. Compliance with precautions and awareness of potential risks will help protect your liver and health as a whole. The emphasis on literacy in matters of health and critical analysis of the information provided by producers of dietary supplements is a key factor in reducing the risk of hepatotoxicity.