9 Vitamins & Supplements That May Affect Your Liver and Kidneys If Misused
Vitamins and supplements can support health when used appropriately, but taking excessive doses, combining multiple products, or using contaminated supplements may harm the liver and kidneys. The risk depends on the substance, dose, duration, existing health conditions, and medications being taken. More supplements do not necessarily mean better health.
9 supplements to use with caution
1. Vitamin A: Excessive doses can accumulate in the liver, causing liver damage and potentially affecting kidney function.
2. Vitamin D: Too much can raise blood calcium levels, increasing the risk of kidney stones and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
3. Vitamin B3 (Niacin): High doses, particularly certain sustained-release forms, can cause liver injury.
4. Vitamin C: Excessive supplementation may increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
5. Vitamin B6: Long-term high doses can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking.
6. Calcium supplements: Excessive intake may increase kidney stone risk, especially when combined with high-dose vitamin D.
7. Green tea extract: Concentrated capsules have been associated with rare but sometimes serious liver injury.
8. Ashwagandha: Although commonly used for stress and sleep, it has been linked to rare cases of liver injury.
9. Kava: This herbal supplement has been associated with serious liver damage, including liver failure.
