Answers
Can herbal, Ayurvedic or gym supplements damage the liver?
Short answer
Yes. 'Natural' does not always mean safe. In India, herbal and Ayurvedic products, weight-loss and immunity supplements, and body-building products are a growing cause of liver injury, sometimes severe. Most people recover once the product is stopped, but some develop liver failure. Tell your doctor about every supplement you take.
Products linked to liver injury
The same product can be safe for one person and harmful for another. Products bought online or without a label carry the highest risk.
- Concentrated herbal extracts sold for weight loss, immunity or energy; in some reports these include green tea extract, garcinia, giloy and ashwagandha
- Unlabelled or mixed Ayurvedic preparations, some of which have been found to contain heavy metals such as lead or mercury
- Body-building supplements and anabolic steroids
- 'Liver tonics' and detox products, which can themselves harm the liver
Warning signs
- Loss of appetite, nausea and unusual tiredness
- Yellow eyes, dark urine, itching
- Pain in the upper right belly
- Raised SGPT or SGOT on a routine test after starting a new product
What to do
Stop the product and see a doctor. Take the product, its box or a photo of the label with you. Liver tests, tests for viral hepatitis and an ultrasound are done to rule out other causes. Most people improve over weeks to months. Steroids are sometimes used, and a few severe cases need hospital care or a liver transplant. Never restart a product that injured your liver.
Staying safe
- Ask your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you have liver disease, take regular medicines or drink alcohol
- Avoid products with no clear ingredient list or licence number
- Do not take several supplements together
- Remember that a balanced diet and exercise do not need supplements for most people
Eating well while the liver recovers
Eat more
- Regular, balanced home meals with protein: dal, curd, paneer, eggs, fish
- Fruits and vegetables every day
- Plenty of safe fluids
Cut down
- The product that caused the injury, permanently
- Alcohol
- Any new supplement, tonic or 'detox' drink without your doctor's advice
Good to know
- Food provides everything most people need; supplements are rarely necessary.
- Keep a list or photos of all products you have taken to show your doctor.
Common questions
Are Ayurvedic medicines safe if they are natural?
Many are used safely, but 'natural' does not guarantee safety. Some products contain strong herbs or heavy metals. Use only labelled, licensed products, ideally with a qualified practitioner, and tell your liver doctor.
Are protein powders bad for the liver?
Plain protein from a reliable maker is usually safe for healthy people. Products with added herbs, 'fat burners' or hidden steroids are the ones linked to liver injury.
How long does the liver take to recover?
Most people improve within weeks, and liver tests normalise over 1 to 3 months after stopping the product. Severe cases take longer and need close follow-up.