Buzz
A man from Texas required a liver transplant following the use of green tea extract, and his situation is not unique. Supplements derived from green tea (though not the beverage itself) have previously been associated with liver-related issues.
It’s important to note that liver damage from supplements is uncommon, with only a few documented or strongly suspected instances. Jim McCants, the Texas man, shared that his doctors ruled out alcohol (he rarely drinks) and prescription medications (he wasn’t on any) before pinpointing green tea supplements as the likely culprit. While other factors could have contributed, it’s also plausible that some individuals have experienced harm without identifying the cause.
The National Institutes of Health, through their LiverTox database, classifies green tea extract as a “well-documented cause of clinically apparent liver injury.” They also highlight that green tea extract is a component of Hydroxycut, a weight-loss product linked to liver damage.
A 2016 study in Hepatology revealed that liver injuries tied to supplements are increasing, with green tea extract being a frequent ingredient in many of these problematic products. (Anabolic steroids are another culprit. Avoid steroids, kids.)
Steps You Can Take
If you enjoy green tea, continue drinking it without worry. Those who experienced liver damage were using concentrated supplements, not consuming the beverage itself.
Sadly, ensuring the safety of supplements is challenging, even though liver damage is uncommon. The compounds in green tea responsible for potential harm are catechins, which are also the same compounds associated with benefits like weight loss and improved heart health—essentially, the reason people take these supplements.
Supplements aren’t mandated to undergo safety testing, making the use of herbal products somewhat unpredictable. The European Food Safety Authority advised that individuals should not exceed 800 milligrams of green tea catechins daily, a guideline worth considering.
