Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is on the rise, with common medications and supplements being identified as potential causes of hidden dangers, particularly for vulnerable groups. A recent study in *Toxicology Reports* found that approximately one-fifth of individuals prescribed medications face the risk of DILI, which is a significant contributor to acute liver failure. The study highlights that both prescription drugs and herbal or dietary supplements can lead to liver damage, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and caution. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) notes that the liver’s role in metabolizing oral substances includes supplements and medications, and for some individuals, this process can be slower, increasing the risk of liver damage. Additionally, the ACG acknowledges that even FDA-approved medications may cause liver injury in rare cases. The increasing prevalence of DILI linked to herbal and dietary supplements is a growing concern, as cases have nearly tripled between 2004 and 2014, according to a 2024 study in *JAMA Network Open*. This underscores the importance of understanding the potential risks of both conventional medications and natural supplements, especially given the complexity of their regulation and the potential for severe outcomes, including liver transplantation.
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is becoming more prevalent, with common medications and supplements posing hidden risks, particularly to vulnerable populations. Experts are increasingly warning of the potential dangers associated with these substances, as new research highlights the growing issue. Statistics show that DILI, which is also referred to as toxic hepatitis or hepatotoxicity, has been rising in Western countries since the 1960s. A study published in the journal Toxicology Reports indicates that approximately one-fifth of the total population who are prescribed medications will experience DILI, underscoring the significant threat these substances pose.
DILI can be triggered by a variety of factors, including herbal products, dietary supplements, and medications. The study emphasizes that individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or nutritional deficiencies are at a higher risk, as well as pregnant women. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) explains that one of the liver’s primary functions is to break down substances taken orally, and for some people, the process can be slower, thereby increasing the likelihood of liver damage.
Even medications that have been tested for safety and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can potentially cause liver injury in rare cases. Common symptoms of liver disease include nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, generalized itching, dark urine, and jaundice, though some people may not notice any signs. The recent study in Toxicology Reports identified several drugs that are most likely to cause liver injury, further highlighting the need for caution.
Medications are not the only agents that can lead to DILI. Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst at Fox News, discussed the risks of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) affecting the liver. He noted that the lack of strict regulation on the amount of active chemicals in herbal supplements means that users may not know exactly what they are consuming. Since many of these supplements are metabolized through the liver, the incidence of liver toxicity has been increasing. According to a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open, cases of DILI linked to herbal or dietary supplements have nearly tripled between 2 than 2014. This study identified several commonly used botanical products associated with potential liver toxicity and found that at least 15.6 million U.S. adults have used at least one of these six products within the past 30 days. Among the most commonly implicated botanical products are turmeric, kratom, green tea extract, and Garcinia cambogia, which can lead to severe or even fatal liver injury.
The FDA states that it does regulate dietary supplements and dietary ingredients, but under a different set of regulations compared to conventional foods and drug products. While manufacturers and distributors are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded, they are responsible for ensuring the safety and proper labeling of their products. Fox News Digital reached out to several researchers and the FDA to address the rising concerns related to drug- and HSD-induced liver injuries, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and scrutiny of these substances to protect public health.