Supplements promoted as beneficial for liver health are widely available, but experts warn that they can sometimes cause harm rather than provide benefits. The supplement industry is not subject to the same regulations as prescription medications, which raises concerns about product safety and transparency.
“Supplements are a big industry,” said Dr. Rashid Khan, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist who specializes in liver health. “They’re marketed heavily, but they aren’t regulated like prescription medications. The liver, which has so many different functions, is an easy target for damage due to supplements.”
The liver plays a central role in filtering toxins from the body, metabolizing medications, producing bile for digestion, and regulating cholesterol and blood sugar levels. While it is generally resilient in healthy individuals, its ability to process substances can be compromised by conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), hepatitis, or cirrhosis.
“If my patients have liver disease, I tell them to avoid any supplements they don’t really need,” Dr. Khan explained. “Even a small amount of added stress on the liver can be harmful.”
Some herbal remedies commonly marketed for stress relief or general wellness have been linked to liver toxicity. According to Dr. Khan:
– Ashwagandha: Sourced from an evergreen shrub native to Asia and Africa and promoted for stress relief and energy-boosting effects, this herb has been associated with cases of jaundice and acute hepatitis.
– Black cohosh: Marketed for menopausal symptoms, extracts from this plant have a history of causing mild enzyme elevations up to severe outcomes like liver failure.
– Turmeric: Known for anti-inflammatory properties and generally safe when used as food seasoning; however, high-dose supplements have caused liver injury in some individuals.
“When patients bring me a bottle, I research the ingredients before giving advice,” Dr. Khan said. “But in general, my recommendation is that if you don’t need the supplement, why take the risk?”
Despite widespread advertising claims about products that “cleanse” or “detox” the liver, medical experts do not support these practices. “In our professional community, liver detox isn’t even a topic of discussion,” said Dr. Khan. “If it were an evidence-based practice, we’d hear about it at medical conferences, and it would be part of our medical guidelines.” He further stated: “Medically, these detoxes are not recommended. Your liver is already designed to detox your body naturally. That’s its job. And no special drink or powder will make it work better.”
A recent study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that so-called “liver cleanses” often contain unproven mixtures of herbal compounds and may actually cause harm instead of providing protection.
To protect their livers effectively, people should focus on proven methods such as limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking—both major contributors to liver disease—maintaining a healthy weight since obesity increases risk factors for certain types of chronic liver disease; getting vaccinated against hepatitis B; seeking treatment for hepatitis C; and only taking medications under medical supervision.
“It’s tempting to want a quick fix,” said Dr. Khan. “But when it comes to the liver, lifestyle changes and medications prescribed by your doctor are far more effective than anything you’ll find on a supplement shelf.”
Supplements may appear natural or harmless but carry risks—especially for those with pre-existing conditions affecting the organ’s function—and should only be considered after consulting with healthcare professionals.
Before starting any new supplement regimen aimed at supporting or cleansing your liver health experts recommend focusing instead on diet quality physical activity vaccination where appropriate regular check-ups with physicians who can offer individualized guidance.
