Summarised by Centrist
Millions of people may be putting their health at risk by using herbal supplements like turmeric and green tea extract, according to a new study from the University of Michigan.
Published in JAMA Network Open, the research found that 15.6 million US adults regularly use at least one of six botanical products associated with liver damage.
“These supplements, often perceived as health-boosting, lack the strict regulation of prescription drugs, leaving consumers vulnerable to potential harm,” said Dr Alisa Likhitsup, the study’s lead author.
The study revealed that supplement users are generally older, more educated, and more likely to have health conditions like arthritis. Most take these products without medical guidance, raising concerns about their safety.
Despite their popularity, these supplements are not subjected to rigorous testing.
