Supplements Trigger 23,000 U.S. ER Visits a Year as Experts Warn of Liver, Kidney Damage
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · Jun 28
Supplements Trigger 23,000 U.S. ER Visits a Year as Experts Warn of Liver, Kidney Damage
2 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · Jun 28
Summary
23,000 U.S. emergency-room visits and 2,000 hospitalizations a year are tied to supplement side effects, with doctors reporting more liver, kidney and digestive injuries from high doses and stacking multiple products.
76% of respondents in a Which? survey said they regularly take at least one supplement, and experts say many start after social-media or marketing claims despite having no confirmed deficiency.
20% of medication-attributed liver injuries are actually linked to supplements and medicinal herbs, one liver specialist said; products of greatest concern include weight-loss, energy, bodybuilding and complex herbal blends.
2024 and 2025 research cited in the report found millions use herbal products with liver-risk ingredients, while an analysis of 352 U.S. probiotic products showed inconsistent contents and limited evidence for many promised benefits.
Doctors and dietitians said supplements can still be useful for confirmed deficiencies, pregnancy and certain medical conditions, but should be guided by blood tests, dose limits and checks for drug interactions.