July 25, 2014 — The Journal of Ethnopharmacology has published a case report of a 63 year-old woman who developed severe, sudden liver inflammation (acute hepatitis) after taking a dietary supplement with high doses of green tea extract.
The woman started taking the supplement at the recommendation of her cancer support group. When she developed liver problems, her doctors ruled out other causes and told her to stop using the supplement. Her symptoms rapidly improved.
The researchers found a “probable” connection between her injury and the green tea supplement. It contained a “very high dose level” of catechins that were extracted from the plant — 93.2% epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and 6.8% epicatechin (EC).
Green tea extract contains potent antioxidants that are widely promoted for a variety of health benefits, including cancer prevention. In recent years, the popularity of supplements containing high doses of green tea extract has boomed.
It might be too much of a good thing. Unlike traditional green tea beverages, which have been used safely for centuries, green tea extracts are relatively new and the long-term effects are unknown. In addition, dozens of studies and case reports have linked green tea extract and liver damage.
In 2009, researchers linked at least 34 cases of acute hepatitis to green tea supplements. In 2012, a 23 year-old woman who used SlimQuick was diagnosed with severe hepatotoxicity.
Do I have a Dietary Supplement Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting green tea extract induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a green tea supplement, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dietary Supplement Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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