NYT: Spike in Harm to Liver Is Tied to Dietary Aids

[cthulu2016]

Dietary supplements account for nearly 20 percent of drug-related liver injuries that turn up in hospitals, up from 7 percent a decade ago, according to an analysis by a national network of liver specialists. The research included only the most severe cases of liver damage referred to a representative group of hospitals around the country, and the investigators said they were undercounting the actual number of cases.

While many patients recover once they stop taking the supplements and receive treatment, a few require liver transplants or die because of liver failure. Naïve teenagers are not the only consumers at risk, the researchers said. Many are middle-aged women who turn to dietary supplements that promise to burn fat or speed up weight loss.

“It’s really the Wild West,” said Dr. Herbert L. Bonkovsky, the director of the liver, digestive and metabolic disorders laboratory at Carolinas HealthCare System in Charlotte, N.C. “When people buy these dietary supplements, it’s anybody’s guess as to what they’re getting.”

...

Americans spend an estimated $32 billion on dietary supplements every year, attracted by unproven claims that various pills and powders will help them lose weight, build muscle and fight off everything from colds to chronic illnesses. About half of Americans use dietary supplements, and most of them take more than one product at a time.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/22/us/spike-in-harm-to-liver-is-tied-to-dietary-aids.html

[KurtNYC]

1. I see this kind of article as the first wave of pushing health reforms

Since insurance companies are required to cover everyone they are likely to push back on everything that drives up healthcare costs. Hard to argue with shutting down potentially lethal "diet aids" but they are going to go after everything.

We are already a pleasure-phobic society that treats food as fuel and therapy instead of something to be relished and enjoyed. This is fertile ground for those who will demonize all of the health related choices we make as individuals.

[KittyWampus]

6. This article has a misleading title and subject. It's narrowly about one type of supplement

while the majority of damage to liver is caused by prescription medicine.

If you read the whole article.

You know the old saying "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food"?

Have a great day.

[ryan_cats]

2. What about the damage from Tylenol or acetaminophen?

What about the damage from Tylenol or acetaminophen? Acetaminophen is really toxic to your liver. In fact, I thought the FDA was going to put the higher doses of acetaminophen available only by prescription?

If you are taking anything, always look at the white of your eyes as this is where the yellowing first appears. If you see it there or anywhere else, get to a Doctor.

[kcr]

3. Yes. But Tylenol is regulated

There are warnings about the damage that it can cause. You also know exactly how much acetaminophen is in each dose.

[ryan_cats]

7. That is an excellent point...

That is an excellent point. I see people taking things that are untested and unknown long term affects like CoQ10.

How long before we start seeing ambulance chaser adds about, if you have taken X and have Y effect, then call us?

On top of that, GNC has been busted more than once for not having the amount in their supplements that were listed on the label so maybe the FDA needs to look into these. Didn't they stop ephedrine from some of the supplements?

[kcr]

9. That is my number one problem with the supplement industry

and why I won't buy their products. I'd be much more comfortable with it if they would allow their products to be tested and regulated. If I could be sure of what I'm buying, how much active ingredient is in the product and its effects, I'd have no problem with it.

[Waiting For Everyman]

4. Thanks for posting this.

I had no idea that green tea extract could turn a person bright yellow and result in a liver transplant. Wow. I don't take any supplements myself, and now I'm glad I don't, but I have family who do.

[KittyWampus]

5. #1. The doctor quoted says the majority of liver damage is from PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

#2. The same doctor said the issue isn't that widespread
#3. This is about energy-booster and fat-burning supplements.

[SidDithers]

8. DU rec...nt

Sid