In today’s health-conscious society, many individuals often overlook the importance of a balanced diet, leading them to rely heavily on dietary supplements. From multivitamins to omega-3 fish oil, these products are readily available at local stores. According to the 2017–18 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, approximately 58% of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, with usage rates at 64% for women and 51% for men. A recent poll in 2024 suggests this figure has increased to 75%.

However, a 2022 study published in the journal Liver Transplantation reveals a concerning trend: the incidence of acute liver failure linked to herbal and dietary supplements has surged eightfold from 1995 to 2020. Notably, these supplements account for about 20% of liver toxicity cases across the country, as noted in 2017 research from Hepatology.

So, should you completely eliminate multivitamins and other dietary supplements from your routine? Not necessarily. It’s crucial to be aware of what you are adding to your daily regimen. Researchers from the University of Michigan reported that approximately 15.6 million Americans are using products containing these six botanicals associated with liver damage:

1. Turmeric
2. Green tea
3. Ashwagandha
4. Garcinia cambogia
5. Red yeast rice
6. Black cohosh

Dr. Robert Fontana, a hepatologist at Michigan Medicine, expressed concern about the alarming rate of mislabeling in these products, stating that there is often a 50% discrepancy between the ingredients listed and those actually present. This raises significant doubts about the reliability of supplement labels.

Dr. Likhitsup, also a transplant hepatologist, pointed out that healthcare professionals might neglect to inquire about supplement use during patient consultations, leading to potential health risks. Additionally, various studies have highlighted the presence of toxic heavy metals in some supplements, further emphasizing the need for caution.

Although the FDA regulates dietary supplements, it treats them more like food than pharmaceuticals, which means these products are not thoroughly evaluated for safety, quality, or efficacy before reaching the market. It’s primarily the responsibility of the manufacturers to provide accurate labeling, with FDA oversight occurring post-market.

To safeguard your health, it’s advisable to discuss any supplements you take with your healthcare provider. Steer clear of the temptation to engage in ‘megadosing’ practices in hopes of expedited results. The Office of Dietary Supplements, part of the National Institutes of Health, has set daily upper limits (ULs) for various nutrients—such as a maximum of 100 micrograms of vitamin D per day for adults—to ensure safe consumption.

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