Doctor Warns: Dietary Supplements Linked to Liver Failure

Dietary Supplements Pose Significant Liver Risk, Studies Show The potential dangers of dietary supplements are highlighted in a recent TikTok video by Dr. Rubin, MD, a pediatrician and allergist. Dr. Rubin warns that supplements are not well-regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and taking high doses can lead to serious health consequences, particularly liver damage. He supports his claims by citing two studies: a 2022 study published in Liver Transpl. that found an eight-fold increase in dietary supplement-related liver failure leading to transplant waitlisting in the US over the last quarter century, and a 2017 study in Hepatology showing that about 20% of liver toxicity cases in the United States were attributed to dietary herbal supplement use. "These supplements are not well regulated by the FDA," says Dr. Rubin. "We don't know exactly what's in a lot of these products." The video serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.