Dietary nutritional supplements are used in over-the-counter bars, pills and powders consumed by those looking to bolster macro and micronutrient intake. The type of supplement varies according to the wishes of the taker, whether it's an increase in athletic performance or as defense against certain diseases. Many health professionals condemn supplement taking, claiming regular dosages contribute to liver damage.
The FDA's Take
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for overseeing the safety of the food and medicinal drugs consumed in the United States. According to a 2009 article in "USA Today," contributor Elizabeth Weise reveals that an agreement reached between the FDA and supplement manufacturers allowed the companies to continue operating without FDA approval as long as packaging labels clearly stated the supplement doesn't diagnose or cure disease. As long as this guideline was adhered to, supplement manufacturers were allowed to make nearly any claim on their product labels and do not have to disclose their actual ingredients.
The FDA & Supplements
Actual ingredients means what actually goes into the supplement recipe, not what's stated on the product's ingredient list. Often times, these lists contain scientific jargon what may confuse the average consumer. Sports supplements have been around for some time, but it wasn't until the 2003 death of pro baseball pitcher Steve Belcher -- an accidental death related to ephedrine, a thermogenic supplement additive -- that Congress acted to ban supplements containing the additive. Like ephedrine, other supposedly "natural" herbal supplements have been linked to liver damage.
Liver Damage
A study conducted by a cadre of physicians found that all seven patients that had willingly taken weight loss supplements like Lipokinetix and various brand names of shark cartilage and kava suffered from symptoms reminiscent of hepatitis -- mainly cramping, fatigue and appetite loss. Blood tests confirmed that the liver -- the body's primary processing center -- was suffering a loss of normal function, which is normally contributed to hepatitis. Upon cessation of the supplements, all symptoms subsided and normal kidney function resumed.
How it Happens
The liver aids in processing and distributing ingested nutrients all over the human body. When supplements add too much of a particular nutrient the liver must work harder to accommodate the added nutrient content, and backups can occur. Over time, this can lead to blockages, which in turn can cause damage to the internal lining of the liver.
The Bottom Line
Many health advocates say there's no damage in taking moderate amounts of almost any legally obtainable supplement. Still, consumers should be wary of any outrageous claims that any supplement label states and should consult their physician or registered dietician prior to taking a health or sports supplement.
References
- USA Today: FDA Lacks Authority Over Supplements
- "The Health Professional's Guide to Dietary Supplements"; Shawn M. Talbot & Kerry Hughes; 2006
