Conditions
Supplements and Liver disease
Critical
Ashwagandha has been linked to liver injury. Case series describe cholestatic liver injury, sometimes severe. Avoid with existing liver disease.
Green tea extract has caused liver injury. Liver injury, sometimes severe, has been reported mainly with extract capsules. Avoid with liver disease.
High-dose niacin can damage the liver. Nicotinic acid at high doses over months can cause hepatitis and even liver failure, more often with extended-release forms. Avoid high doses unless your doctor is monitoring your liver.
Caution
Vitamin A is stored in — and can damage — the liver. Chronic high intakes of retinol are hepatotoxic.
Rare liver injury reported with turmeric supplements. Many reported cases involved high-bioavailability or piperine-enhanced products.
Red yeast rice can affect the liver. Like statins, products with significant monacolin K can cause liver damage. Avoid unless your doctor is monitoring you.
Note
High-dose niacin can be hepatotoxic. Standard B-complex doses are fine; avoid products with high-dose niacin.
Rare liver injury reported with valerian. Very rare cases of liver injury have been reported, mostly with other herbs. Its long-term effect on the liver is unknown.
Common questions
What should I check about Ashwagandha and Liver disease?
Ashwagandha has been linked to liver injury. Case series describe cholestatic liver injury, sometimes severe. Avoid with existing liver disease.
What should I check about Green Tea Extract and Liver disease?
Green tea extract has caused liver injury. Liver injury, sometimes severe, has been reported mainly with extract capsules. Avoid with liver disease.
What should I check about Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) and Liver disease?
High-dose niacin can damage the liver. Nicotinic acid at high doses over months can cause hepatitis and even liver failure, more often with extended-release forms. Avoid high doses unless your doctor is monitoring your liver.
What should I check about Vitamin A and Liver disease?
Vitamin A is stored in — and can damage — the liver. Chronic high intakes of retinol are hepatotoxic.
What should I check about Curcumin and Liver disease?
Rare liver injury reported with turmeric supplements. Many reported cases involved high-bioavailability or piperine-enhanced products.
What should I check about Red Yeast Rice and Liver disease?
Red yeast rice can affect the liver. Like statins, products with significant monacolin K can cause liver damage. Avoid unless your doctor is monitoring you.