Jun 6, 2025
Liver Damage From Supplements? Here’s What You Need to Know
More people are ending up with liver damage from over-the-counter supplements. Here’s how to protect yourself with smarter, personalized choices.
Liver Health
Written by
Mito Team
A Surprising Health Risk from the Supplement Aisle
The supplement industry is booming, and so are health concerns linked to it. In the U.S., the supplement market now exceeds $150 billion, with more than 50% of adults using supplements regularly. But as supplement use grows, so do the reports of harm.
In one national survey, about 15 million U.S. adults (around 4.7%) reported taking at least one of six high-risk botanical supplements, including turmeric, green tea extract, ashwagandha, black cohosh, Garcinia cambogia, and red yeast rice.
Can Supplements Cause Liver Problems? Unfortunately, Yes.
The short answer: Yes, supplements can cause liver problems, and they’re doing so more often than you might think.
Over the past few decades, emergency rooms and liver clinics across the U.S. have seen an increase in cases of liver injury linked to supplements. According to studies, about 20% of liver injuries from drugs and toxins are now caused by dietary supplements.
Here are some of the most common offenders:
Bodybuilding and “pro-hormone” supplements
Weight loss pills and detox teas
Herbal supplements like green tea extract, kava, and certain traditional remedies
High-dose vitamins like vitamin A and niacin
Most people don’t realize the liver is the organ that takes the hit when these supplements are overused—or misused.
How Supplements Affect the Liver
Your liver is your body’s natural filter. Everything you eat, drink, or swallow, including supplements, gets processed there. That means even “natural” supplements are metabolized, broken down, and cleared.
Problems start when the liver is overwhelmed. This can happen because of the following:
Taking high doses over long periods or megadosing
Combining multiple supplements at once
Using products with hidden or mislabeled ingredients
Underlying liver conditions that go unnoticed
For example, herbal supplements and liver damage are increasingly linked in clinical studies. One common culprit? Green tea extract. While it’s safe in small amounts from food or tea, concentrated doses in capsules can trigger inflammation and liver enzyme spikes in some people.
Warning Signs: Is Your Liver in Trouble?
Liver damage can sneak up on you. It often starts silently and gets worse over time. But here are a few symptoms to watch for:
Ongoing fatigue or weakness
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Dark-colored urine
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Itchy skin, especially without a rash
If you’re taking supplements and notice any of these, it’s worth investigating further, especially if you’ve recently started a new pill or powder.
Liver Enzyme Blood Tests: The Best Way to Catch Trouble Early
So, how do you test liver function? The most common way is through a liver enzyme blood test, which checks key markers like ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and bilirubin.
Elevated levels of these liver enzymes signal inflammation, injury, or early signs of liver dysfunction, sometimes before symptoms show.
That’s why it’s so important to test before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re taking multiple products, or have a history of liver issues, alcohol use, or medication use that stresses the liver.
How to Take Supplements Safely
You don’t need to fear supplements, but you do need to be smart about how you use them. Here’s how to take supplements safely:
1. Test First, Don’t Guess
Get a blood test to check your liver function and nutrient levels. This helps you see what your body actually needs, and what it doesn’t.
2. Avoid the Risky Stuff
Stay away from products marketed for “rapid weight loss,” “detox,” or muscle-building unless they’re doctor-approved. These are often the worst offenders for liver damage.
3. Stick to the Right Dose
More isn’t always better. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), high-dose niacin, and certain herbs can build up in the liver over time.
4. Go for Quality
Use supplements that are third-party tested and clearly labeled. Avoid anything that hides behind “proprietary blends.”
5. Recheck Over Time
Your liver and nutrient needs can change, especially as you age, take new medications, or change your diet. Regular check-ins help catch problems early.
Support Your Health Without Harming Your Liver
Yes, supplements can cause liver problems, but they don’t have to. With the right guidance and testing, you can take them safely and confidently.
Start supporting your liver health with a comprehensive blood test from Mito Health. Our blood panel runs over 100 biomarkers, including liver enzymes, in blood tests to assess your current liver health. We’ll help evaluate your nutrient levels so you only supplement what’s needed. We believe in helping you make smarter, safer decisions, so your supplements support your health, not sabotage it.