Many general beliefs circulate in the world of health, spread by the web through the rapid information we are exposed to daily. Filtering sources and considering only those that are scientifically reliable is important to acquire awareness that is grounded in scientific reality and allows for the spread of well-founded news.
One of the most widespread beliefs is that dietary supplements overload the liver, damaging it or putting its functionality at risk.
Is this information supported by scientific evidence?
Dietary supplements have been used for a long time and are formulated to meet various health needs.
In Italy, about 64% of adults consume dietary supplements (data from Altroconsumo 2025), and this figure highlights how widespread they are and how important it is to make informed choices. Abusing supplements can indeed cause side effects such as liver toxicity, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney problems, and drug interactions, but the cause of this damage is to be attributed to use that exceeds recommended doses and the lack of consultation with a doctor. Other causes may include: incorrect/excessive/prolonged use, voluntary adulteration to increase efficacy, or non-standardized or unmonitored compositions.
It is possible to derive real benefits from taking supplements by adopting strategies that protect our health:
- follow the doses indicated on the label,
- consult your doctor before starting supplementation,
- avoid "do-it-yourself" approaches, especially in the presence of chronic conditions or ongoing pharmacological therapies,
- choose products from certified companies with clear labels and controlled ingredients.
Liver damage from supplements is difficult to diagnose because there are no specific tests to support the clinical evidence of a correlation. Assessment is based on the exclusion of other causes and a detailed analysis of clinical history. This leads to confusion and generalizations, fueling the myth.
International research shows that only a small percentage of liver damage cases are truly attributable to supplements because, if taken correctly from reliable sources, their consumption does not cause damage to the liver.
The real key to avoiding problems is product quality.
Dietary supplements are regulated by specific legislation, namely Directive 2002/46/EC, and must be notified to the Ministry before being marketed; this ensures that they are safe and controlled products.
By definition, safe supplements:
- come from reliable manufacturers,
- have clear labels and controlled ingredients,
- undergo quality controls at various stages of the process,
- do not contain hidden substances or contaminants.
Speaking with data in hand, the problem of hepatotoxicity related to supplement consumption:
- in Italy, depends primarily on the choice of poorly monitored products with ingredients not always declared on the label;
- on a larger scale regarding Europe, The Erice Manifesto 2022, published in Drug Safety, as reported by the Italian National Institute of Health, “highlights the need for a common European surveillance system for dietary supplements, with particular attention to liver risks and interactions with drugs”;
- in the United States, the percentage falls between 10% and 15% with an increase in recent years, which is, however, to be attributed to the spread of unregulated products.
In this context, Nutras Srl positions itself through quality, transparency, and innovation.
Each Nutras line is designed to meet a specific need, from food intolerances to women's wellness, and is distinguished by:
- transparency in product composition,
- rigorous controls in certified facilities,
- continuous scientific research to ensure efficacy and safety,
- positive social impact, evidenced by market and consumer feedback.
Saying that supplements “overload the liver” is a misleading statement not supported by scientific data. The truth is that most supplements are safe if used with awareness and common sense. As with any product, it is important to stay informed, choose with care, and consult your doctor if in doubt.
Nutras Srl stands by consumers with safe, effective supplements formulated for daily wellness because health is an informed choice.
Scientific evidence shows that responsible consumption of supplements does not compromise liver function: the risk arises only from consumption abuse or the choice of unsafe products.
It is possible to follow practical tips for the safe use of supplements to minimize or eliminate the associated risk:
- always read the label to check ingredients, dosages, and warnings provided by the manufacturer;
- do not exceed recommended doses, as “more does not mean better”—excess can be useless or harmful;
- choose products notified to the Ministry of Health that ensure compliance with regulations and product safety for the protection of consumer health;
- beware of supplements purchased online from unofficial sources; the risk of counterfeit or unauthorized products is high;
- consult a professional in case of medical conditions or pharmacological therapies to avoid unwanted interactions;
- remember that supplements do not replace a balanced diet: they are a support, not an alternative.
Dietary supplements support consumer health, are a regulated and supervised product category, and their safety is evaluated even after marketing, thanks to market analysis and surveillance.
Choosing consciously and staying informed allows you to make a positive contribution to your health and to the companies that work by respecting product quality and safety standards.
(by Elisa Manzoni)