[Acute liver failure due to food supplements]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Toxicology
• Pharmacovigilance

Background:

• Acute liver failure (ALF) from food supplements is uncommon but rising.
• Increased use of dietary supplements contributes to a growing incidence of liver damage.
• Regulatory oversight for food supplements differs significantly from pharmaceuticals.

Observation:

• Two women presented with acute liver failure.
• Both women had recently initiated food supplements containing plant extracts for menopausal symptoms.
• Both cases necessitated liver transplantation due to severe liver damage.

Findings:

• Consumption of certain food supplements can lead to severe hepatotoxicity.
• The plant extracts in the supplements were implicated as the cause of liver injury.
• Early identification and cessation of the offending supplement are crucial.

Implications:

• The current regulatory framework for food supplements may not adequately protect public health.
• Healthcare providers should inquire about supplement use in patients with unexplained liver injury.
• Stricter safety assessments for food supplements are warranted to prevent adverse events.