Your liver is a vital organ that carries out roles such as the detoxification of blood, metabolism of nutrients, the storing of vitamins and the production of glucose. Liver health and liver function are routinely assessed by measuring liver enzyme levels -- mainly aspartate aminotransferase, or AST, and alanine aminotransferase, or ALT. Normally, liver enzymes reside within the liver. A high level of liver enzymes in the blood indicates liver injury and a compromised liver function. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, supplements that can cause elevated liver enzymes include kava kava, vitamin A, mistletoe, germander and European barberry.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is an herbal extract from the plant Piper methysticum. It is used to treat anxiety, tension and restlessness. It is also used in some herbal drinks and smoothies. The Food Standards Agency reports that there have been 110 cases of severe liver damage possibly caused by the use of kava kava; 11 of these patients suffered irreversible liver failure. Kava kava was banned in England in January 2003, but is still available in the United States.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for good health: it is involved in vision, bone health, reproduction, cell growth and the immune system. However, a vitamin A overdose can cause liver damage and nervous system disorders. It is hard to overdose on this vitamin from foods alone, unless you eat a lot of liver. Never exceed the recommended dose when taking vitamin A supplements.
Mistletoe
Extracts from mistletoe are used in herbal medicine for treating circulatory conditions and respiratory problems, according to the book “Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine.” Use it with caution.
Germander
Another supplement that can cause liver damage is germander, an herbal extract used to aid weight loss. The June 1996 issue of the “Canadian Medical Association Journal” describes two cases of liver injury following five to six months of germander use. In both cases, the overall outcome was favorable once germander was stopped.
European Barberry
Supplements from the Berberis vulgaris plant -- known as the European barberry -- are used for a variety of ailments including bladder problems, arthritis, fever and gout. High doses of this herb can cause nosebleeds, vomiting and interfere with liver function. It can also interact with a number of medications such as diuretics, antihistamines and antibiotics.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cirrhosis
- Food Standards Agency: Kava Kava
- “Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine”; David Hoffmann; 2003
- “Canadian Medical Association Journal”; Hepatitis After The Use of Germander, a Herbal Remedy; L. Laliberte, et al.; June 1996
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Barberry
