Are Your Supplements Harming Your Liver? What Brits Need to Know About Liver Health and Herbal Remedies

If you’re like many health-conscious Brits, chances are you take a daily multivitamin, rely on turmeric capsules for inflammation, or reach for a green tea extract when you’re feeling run-down. Dietary supplements are a growing part of everyday life in the UK, just as they are across the Atlantic—used to support everything from immunity to joint health, weight loss, sleep and more.

But could your supplement routine be doing more harm than good?

In the United States, supplement use is at an all-time high. According to a 2024 survey by the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a staggering 75% of U.S. adults now take dietary supplements regularly. Even back in 2018, UK figures showed that over half of British adults were taking some form of supplement. However, as popularity grows, so too do the health concerns.

Supplement-Linked Liver Damage on the Rise

One of the most alarming risks? Liver damage.

A major 2022 study published in Liver Transplantation found that cases of drug-induced acute liver failure tied to herbal and dietary supplements had increased eightfold between 1995 and 2020 in the US. Meanwhile, earlier research in Hepatology reported that supplements now account for around 20% of all liver toxicity cases in the country.

Here in the UK, we’re not immune. While fewer formal statistics exist on liver injury caused by supplements, NHS specialists have seen a steady rise in liver-related issues linked to high-dose botanicals and mislabelled or imported supplements.

The Most Concerning Offenders

A 2023 University of Michigan study estimated that over 15 million Americans consume products containing at least one of the following six botanicals associated with liver toxicity:

• Turmeric

• Green tea extract

• Ashwagandha

• Garcinia cambogia

• Red yeast rice

• Black cohosh

These ingredients are commonly found in supplements for inflammation, energy, anxiety, PMS, and weight management.

But what makes this even more concerning is that many of these products are mislabeled or contaminated. Dr Robert Fontana, a hepatologist involved in the Michigan research, revealed that chemical analysis of some supplements found a 50% mismatch between the ingredients listed on the label and what was actually inside. It's essentially a coin toss—what you think you’re taking may not be what’s really in the bottle.

Contaminants, Heavy Metals & Quality Issues

In addition to inaccurate labelling, numerous studies have found herbal and dietary supplements to be contaminated with toxic heavy metals, including lead and arsenic. With the UK supplement market growing rapidly—and many products imported from abroad—concerns about product quality and safety are more relevant than ever.

Why You Shouldn't Panic—But Should Stay Informed

This doesn’t mean you need to throw away your vitamin D or collagen capsules. The UK’s NHS acknowledges that supplements can help certain individuals meet daily nutrient requirements. For example, many people are advised to take vitamin D during the darker months, especially in winter unless they are deficient.

However, just because a product is sold in a health shop or online marketplace doesn’t mean it’s free from risk.

In the UK, supplements are regulated as foods, not medicines. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) monitors safety—but unlike prescription medications, supplements do not undergo pre-market approval. It is up to the manufacturer to ensure safety, labelling, and claims. And that’s where things can go wrong.

Why Our Home Use Liver Health Test Is Flying Off Shelves

With liver health becoming a growing concern, our Home Use Liver Health Test has become a top-seller—and it’s easy to see why.

Simple to use at home, this finger-prick test can help you monitor key liver function markers. It’s ideal if you’re:

• Taking multiple supplements or herbal products

• Recovering from a liver condition or fatty liver disease

• Interested in a quick, confidential check-up without going to the GP

Whether you’ve been feeling fatigued, experiencing unexplained digestive issues, or just want peace of mind, our UK liver health check is a must-have tool for proactive wellness.

Top Tips for Safer Supplement Use

1. Choose a trusted brand. Not all supplements are created equal. Always opt for a brand that manufactures in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified facility—this means the supplement has been produced to strict quality standards, so what’s on the label is actually in the bottle. Sadly, many supplements are pouring in from China and other countries with minimal oversight, and some are packed with harmful fillers, contaminants, or don’t even contain the ingredients they claim to.

Buying from a UK-based brand gives you far more protection—products are monitored and scrutinised by the MHRA and other UK health authorities, so you know they’re held to higher standards of safety and efficacy.

2. Talk to your GP or pharmacist. Even everyday vitamins can interfere with medications. Be open about what you’re taking—your healthcare provider can help you make informed choices that support your goals.

3. Don’t megadose. It’s tempting to think more is better, but with supplements, that’s not the case. There are safe upper daily limits for a reason—exceeding them, even unintentionally, can cause real harm. Stick to recommended doses and avoid stacking multiple products that contain the same active ingredients.

4. Read the label—but be sceptical. Mislabelled and contaminated supplements are more common than you’d think. Look for transparency: brands that share Certificates of Analysis and batch testing results are often the most trustworthy.

5. Consider regular testing. If you’re taking supplements regularly—or a combination of products—a home liver health test is a smart way to monitor how your body’s coping. It’s discreet, easy to do, and could give you early insight into potential issues.

In Summary:
Supplements can offer real health benefits—but they aren’t risk-free. As the evidence mounts, it’s clear that liver health needs to be part of the conversation. If you’re taking herbal remedies or high-dose products, don’t leave it to chance. Check your liver health today with our bestselling Home Liver Function Test Kit, and give your body the care it deserves.