The Hidden Risks of Natural Supplements: Are You Protecting Your Liver and Kidneys?
Natural supplements have become part of our everyday lives. Many people turn to them to manage stress, boost immunity, or improve overall wellness. From turmeric and ashwagandha to green tea extract and black cohosh, the shelves of pharmacies and online stores are overflowing with “natural” remedies. But despite their organic labels and herbal origins, these supplements may carry hidden dangers, especially for your liver and kidneys. This blog explores the overlooked side effects of natural supplements, the science behind supplements and liver damage and how to know if a supplement is safe for long-term use.
Why isn’t “natural” always safe?
The word “natural” often implies safety, but this is a misconception. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, dietary supplements are not held to the same safety and efficacy standards in many countries, including India. This regulatory gap means many products are sold without rigorous testing or third-party verification. Adulteration, mislabeling and contamination with heavy metals or pesticides are common.
One study found that 14% of protein supplement samples contained aflatoxins, liver-damaging toxins produced by mould. Worse, some weight loss and muscle-building supplements have been found to contain hidden anabolic steroids. These compounds can severely damage liver tissue over time.
Even when the main ingredients are pure, their concentrated forms can pose risks. Traditional herbs that are safe in food quantities may become harmful in supplement form, especially when extracted, condensed, or mixed with other compounds.
What are the side effects of natural supplements?
When used incorrectly or in excessive doses, some natural supplements can cause severe side effects. Here are some of the most common offenders:
- Green Tea Extract (EGCG): While sipping green tea is harmless, high doses of its extract have been linked to liver failure. Anything above 800 mg of EGCG per day may increase this risk. Several cases, including those involving adolescents, have led to near liver transplants.
- Turmeric/Curcumin Supplements: Although turmeric is widely consumed in Indian cuisine, curcumin supplements can become harmful when taken in high doses. A woman in the US was hospitalised with liver enzymes 60 times above normal after consuming 2,250 mg daily. She later warned of the dangers of unregulated dosing.
- Ashwagandha: Long used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is now linked to acute liver injuries. Several case reports suggest that impurities or high-concentration formulas could be responsible.
- Black Cohosh: Marketed for menopausal symptoms, black cohosh has caused liver inflammation, jaundice and even organ failure in rare cases. Some patients required liver transplants.
- Garcinia Cambogia: Promoted for weight loss, this supplement has caused hepatitis and liver failure in extreme cases. The active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), is believed to be the main culprit.
Other herbs such as chaparral, kava, kratom, aloe vera and Polygonum multiflorum have also been associated with organ damage and autoimmune responses.
What is the link between supplements and liver damage?
The liver is the body’s detoxification centre. Everything you ingest from food and medicine to herbal products passes through it. Supplements with hepatotoxic properties can trigger liver damage, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other compounds.
In a meta-review spanning 1984 to 2021, 428 reported cases of liver injury were linked to herbal supplements. Over half were associated with green tea extract, kava, black cohosh and Polygonum multiflorum. Of these, 9% required liver transplants and 3.6% resulted in death.
How do natural supplements affect the kidneys?
Kidney damage from natural supplements is less discussed but just as concerning. Ingredients like aristolochic acid, found in some traditional remedies, are both nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. Long-term use has been linked to chronic kidney disease and urinary tract cancers.
Other herbs such as liquorice, henna (when ingested) and Tripterygium wilfordii (thunder-god vine) have caused renal tubular necrosis and acute kidney injury in documented cases. Dehydration, poor renal function and concurrent drug use can exacerbate these effects.
How do dosage, duration and drug interactions influence supplement safety?
Several factors determine whether a supplement is safe or dangerous:
- Dosage and Duration: High doses taken over long periods can silently damage organs. Liver injuries from turmeric or green tea extract often appear after weeks or months of use.
- Stacking Supplements: Using multiple supplements with overlapping ingredients (e.g. vitamin A, selenium, or iron) can lead to overdosing and increased liver strain.
- Drug Interactions: Supplements can interact with prescription medications. For instance, curcumin can amplify the effects of blood thinners and creatine can stress the kidneys in patients with pre-existing conditions.
Are there real-life cases of harm?
Yes. Consider the recent case of a woman in the US who experienced severe liver issues after consuming high-dose turmeric supplements. Fortunately, she recovered after discontinuation and treatment.
In India, Dr. Sudeep Khanna, a senior gastroenterologist, has warned against unregulated use of herbal supplements like turmeric, kava and black cohosh. “High doses can overwhelm the liver, especially when combined with medications,” he explains.
These cases serve as reminders that natural does not mean harmless.
How to know if a supplement is safe
Always consult a qualified medical professional before starting any new supplement. This is especially important if you have chronic conditions or take medications.
- Choose third-party tested brands with verified certifications
- Follow dosage guidelines and avoid exceeding the recommended amount
- Avoid combining multiple supplements without guidance
- Stay hydrated and monitor your health through regular liver and kidney tests
- Watch out for warning signs: fatigue, nausea, yellow skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the supplement immediately and seek medical advice.
Unsure about your supplements? Visit Supreme Hospital’s Gastroenterology Department for expert guidance.
How to Use Supplements Safely Without Harming Your Health?
Supplements can be used safely, but only when approached with care. Like pharmaceutical drugs, they affect powerful systems in the body and should not be taken casually. Ideally, supplements should only be used to address specific, diagnosed nutritional deficiencies not as a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet. Food-based sources of nutrients remain the safest and most effective option for most people. If you do choose to take supplements, stay alert to how your body responds and consult a doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms. Early testing and medical advice can prevent serious complications.
Always prioritise safety by choosing certified, independently tested supplement brands. Avoid combining multiple supplements without guidance as this increases the risk of overdose or harmful interactions. Stick to recommended dosages and avoid long-term use unless advised by a healthcare professional. Regular health checkups can help catch liver or kidney stress early.
For personalised advice and safe supplement use, book your consultation with a specialist at Supreme Hospital’s Gastroenterology Department today.
Understanding the Hidden Health Risks of Popular Supplements
Supplements such as green tea extract, turmeric, ashwagandha, black cohosh and garcinia have been linked to serious liver and kidney harm, especially when consumed in high doses or over long periods. The side effects of natural supplements are often underreported but can have significant health consequences. In many documented cases, supplements and liver damage go hand in hand, highlighting the need for caution. To know if a supplement is safe, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional, follow recommended dosages, opt for certified and independently tested brands and regularly monitor your liver and kidney function.
Worried about supplement side effects? Visit Supreme Hospital’s gastroenterology department for expert evaluation and guidance.