Let’s face it: although experts tell us time and time again that sustainable weight loss takes time, we all want a quick fix. And on our quest for a slimmer waistline, weight loss supplements are certainly enticing. But they’re often not all they’re cracked up to be. In fact, many seemingly harmless pills come with hidden dangers—especially for your liver?
To shed some light on the dark side of two common weight loss supplements, we spoke to Lisa Andrews MEd, RD, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist, and Dr. Rimas Geiga. They told us that Garcinia Cambogia and Green Tea Extract have been linked to serious liver damage in some cases. Learn more about the risk of each below.
1. Garcinia Cambogia
Derived from a tropical fruit, Garcinia Cambogia is often praised for its weight loss benefits. However, Andrews cautions that its use may come with a range of unpleasant side effects—and even some dangerous downsides for your health.
"Side effects from its use may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal concerns," she explains. More alarmingly, in some cases, Garcinia Cambogia has been linked to liver damage, further emphasizing the potential dangers associated with its consumption. Yikes! There are several other supplements to avoid for your liver health , too.
2. Green Tea Extract
Green tea is a fantastic elixir with a range of health benefits. In supplement form, green tea extract is well known for its antioxidant properties, primarily due to its high concentrations of catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
However, Dr. Geiga warns that, while there are many benefits to green tea, "high concentrations of catechins in green tea extract can induce oxidative stress in the liver, leading to hepatotoxicity." This oxidative stress may manifest as elevated liver enzymes and, in severe cases, acute hepatitis.
To mitigate these risks, it's best to limit your intake to no more than 300 mg per day. Or better yet, brew up some green tea as a safer (tasty) alternative!
