The story of a man who ended up needing a liver transplant after taking green tea capsules has brought the topic of dietary supplements back into the news. What are some of the dangers of supplements and what are the health benefits?
When Jim McCants started taking green tea pills he had hoped he was giving his health a shot in the arm.
Instead, it appears the pills caused such severe damage to his liver that it required an urgent transplant.
Experts point out that experiences like that of Mr. McCants, are “extremely unusual”.
In the UK, supplements are subject to EU regulations over their safety and the health claims manufacturers make about the products.
Approved supplements bought from reputable businesses are almost always going to be safe, provided the manufacturer’s instructions are followed, doctors say.
But it is wrong to assume that food supplements do not sometimes have the potential to be harmful, says Dr. Wayne Carter, from the University of Nottingham.
If you take supplements in quantities above recommended levels there are risks.
Read the full story at BBC News