The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted July 18, 2025

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it.

Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?”

But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely.

I’ll admit, the headlines are alarming. Reports suggest that supplement-related liver injuries are on the rise—with some studies finding that about 15 million Americans take supplements that could potentially harm their liver.

But here’s what those scary headlines don’t tell you: supplement-induced liver damage is still very rare. Severe side effects appear in only a small fraction of the millions who take supplements daily.

That doesn’t mean we should ignore the issue, of course. The key is understanding how to minimize those rare risks while still getting the benefits that supplements provide.

More often than not, the herbs or nutrients aren’t the problem—it’s how people use them.

Far too many folks treat supplements like candy—assuming if a little is good, more must be better. Some grab whatever’s cheapest at the discount store without considering quality.

Still, others take handfuls of supplements without telling their doctor—creating a potentially dangerous cocktail of interactions.

But let’s put this liver damage issue into perspective. Common over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) are responsible for more liver injuries than supplements.

Each year, acetaminophen sends over 60,000 Americans to the hospital. In fact, acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States, accounting for more than 50 percent of cases.

But people aren’t panicking and swearing off all pain relievers. Instead, we learn to use them responsibly. The same principle should apply to supplements.

So, how do you protect yourself while still getting the health benefits that quality supplements can provide?

• Work with a trusted healthcare provider. Whether it’s a naturopathic doctor, a holistic physician, or your regular family doctor, it’s important to get professional guidance. Your doctor can help you choose appropriate supplements, monitor your progress, and watch for any concerning changes in your blood tests.
• Always inform your primary care physician. If you’re working with someone other than your primary care physician, make sure your PCP also knows about any supplements you’re taking. This is especially important if you’re on prescription meds.
• Never exceed the recommended dosage. Dosage recommendations on supplements aren’t random suggestions—manufacturers base them on research and safety data. Don’t take more than is recommended on the label unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.
• Choose supplements from manufacturers you trust. It’s never appropriate to bargain hunt when choosing a new supplement. Instead, look for companies that have a solid reputation. Skip the cheap supplements at the discount store.
• Start slowly and pay attention to your body. When beginning any new supplement, start with the lowest recommended dose and see how you feel. If you experience fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, stop taking the supplement immediately and contact your doctor.
• Use extra caution with certain supplements. While any supplement could cause side effects in sensitive individuals, it’s a good idea to exercise extra caution with certain kinds. These include weight loss supplements, bodybuilding products, and some herbal remedies in high doses such as kava and green tea extract.
• Consider baseline liver function tests. If you’re planning to take supplements long-term, ask your doctor about baseline liver function tests. This gives you something to compare to if any issues arise.

Don’t let fear-mongering headlines scare you away from taking a potentially beneficial supplement. When used appropriately, quality supplements can be valuable tools for supporting your health. Millions take them safely every day.

But any health tool—whether prescription, over-the-counter, or a supplement—should be used wisely and with proper guidance.

Work with a healthcare provider you trust, choose quality products, follow dosing instructions, and pay attention to how your body responds.

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Reference:

Fontana, R. J. Acute Liver Failure including Acetaminophen Overdose. The Medical Clinics of North America, 92(4), 761.