Robert Grafton initially felt unwell. He lost his appetite, and it was mid-March. He thought he had just caught a cold. But then more serious symptoms appeared. His skin became itchy, and his urine turned a dark color.
Grafton had previously worked in radiology, and his wife was a nurse. They knew that these symptoms could mean liver failure, which is a very serious condition.Grafton was 54 at the time. Other than these symptoms, he felt healthy.
But he had a strong hunch that supplements were causing his illness. He took herbs and diet pills every day, and he quickly decided to stop taking all of them. “Thank God,” Grafton recalls. That decision was crucial.
His past work experience enabled him to react quickly. He was able to put himself in other people’s shoes. A non-medical professional might not have known this. They might have thought that they were just feeling unwell. “I need to take more nutritional supplements,” they might have reasoned. This is a very serious mistake. Taking more would only make the situation worse.
By midweek, his symptoms had not improved. “My liver enzyme levels were very high,” Grafton said. Bilirubin levels were also extremely high. All signs pointed to liver failure. Hearing this news left him feeling desperate. “I started crying,” he recalled. His wife also cried. He was worried it might be cancer.
Less than a week later, he was admitted to the hospital. There, they discovered the true cause. The medication, which was considered safe, had caused the condition. “It was drug-induced liver injury,” he explained.
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The liver is a complex organ. One of its functions is to filter harmful substances from the blood, and some people metabolize toxins more slowly than others. This is related to their genes.
But even healthy livers can be damaged. Excessive intake of certain substances can cause them to work overtime, and maintaining this balance is crucial. But conventional medications aren’t the only culprits; herbal and dietary supplements can also cause problems. More cases are linked to these supplements, and this is happening across the United States.
Experts had trouble finding exact cause. Most cases used many ingredients. Pinpointing one bad element was hard. Let’s make terms clear first. Dietary supplements mean many things. Vitamins are them. Minerals are them too.
A 2024 survey checked this out. Three in four adults over 18 use them. That’s a large part of everyone. People seem to prefer supplements more. The same survey found this out. Almost 80 percent of users preferred them. They liked them over prescription drugs.
Many people believe that supplements are risk-free. Perhaps the word “natural” makes them feel safe, or maybe it’s just because they can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy. This belief causes people to overlook potential dangers.
The issue of supplements causing liver damage is a concern for many. We need to understand how seemingly harmless supplements can become dangerous in the body. People have heard about problems with turmeric and green tea extracts. Intake is also important, and how supplements are made is equally crucial. An individual’s physical condition also plays an important role.
Consider how turmeric caused a man to become ill. Using turmeric in cooking typically feels very safe. However, supplements sometimes contain concentrated doses exceeding 2,000 milligrams, which is entirely different from cooking. A doctor noted that some tablets contain large amounts of curcumin, the primary active ingredient.The key is that they often add black pepper extract. This greatly increases absorption rates. Absorption rates can increase by up to twenty times. The liver is thus subjected to immense stress. The liver cannot efficiently process such large doses.
Today, supplements come in many forms. Some are powders for muscle building, while others are gummies for stress relief. Understanding what is safe requires careful consideration. The misconception that “natural” equals “safe” is common among many people.
Vitamin A is a prime example. It is essential for functions such as vision, is required by the immune system, and is crucial for normal cell growth. However, excessive intake can cause serious harm to the body, a condition known as vitamin A toxicity. These substances are primarily found in colorful fruits and vegetables, and the body naturally regulates its absorption. Preformed vitamin A is easily absorbed and stored. The liver is the primary storage organ for vitamin A, increasing the risk of vitamin A toxicity in the body.
Health experts have established intake limits for vitamin A. They recommend daily intake levels for adults. There is also a tolerable upper intake level. These guidelines are measured in RAE units. The daily upper limit for adults is typically 3,000 RAE. This includes preformed vitamin A found in food. Intake from supplements is also included in the daily total intake.
Infants and children are at higher risk. Their bodies are smaller and have weaker metabolic capabilities. Pregnant women are also highly susceptible to harm. Excessive intake may lead to birth defects.
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Vitamin A poisoning can manifest with various symptoms. These depend on the dose and duration of exposure. Acute poisoning is extremely rare. It occurs when more than 100,000 RAE is ingested over a short period of time. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Headaches may occur, along with dizziness. Vision may become temporarily blurred. Individuals may feel extremely irritable.
Chronic poisoning is more common and is typically caused by long-term daily intake exceeding 8,000 RAE. Symptoms are diverse and primarily affect the skin. The skin becomes dry and cracked, and hair loss may occur. Nails may become brittle and prone to breaking. Fatigue and loss of appetite are also common symptoms.
Bone and joint pain may occur. In more severe cases, it may lead to liver damage, including liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Bone problems such as osteoporosis may develop.
Before using these products, consult your doctor first. Assuming safety based solely on a “natural” label is risky. The key is to be informed and keep the lines of communication open. It is important to discuss all medications or supplements you are taking with your doctor. This will ensure that you are supporting your health in a safe manner.
Related posts:
induced liver injuries rise in the U.S.
Vitamin A Toxicity
Liver Injury from Herbal and Dietary Supplements
