The dark side of supplements: How ‘natural’ pills can harm your liver and kidneys

Key Points:

• A growing number of people regularly take dietary supplements such as vitamin D, magnesium, creatine, and herbal extracts, with 76% of surveyed individuals using at least one supplement and nearly 20% taking four or more daily, but experts warn these are not risk-free.
• Medical professionals have reported increased cases of liver, kidney, and digestive damage linked to supplement use, particularly when taken in high doses or combined, often influenced by social media without proper medical consultation.
• Studies show about 20% of liver injury cases attributed to medications are actually caused by dietary supplements and medicinal herbs, with certain products like weight-loss and energy supplements posing higher risks, especially from unregulated sources.
• Misconceptions that "natural" means safe are challenged by evidence of liver and kidney harm from supplements like green tea extract, ashwagandha, and high-dose vitamins, compounded by inconsistent product contents and lack of regulatory oversight.
• Experts emphasize that supplements should be used based on medical need confirmed by tests, with professional guidance, as improper or excessive use can cause harmful interactions, side effects, and may not provide benefits for healthy individuals without deficiencies.