Recent studies have linked the use of dietary supplements containing green tea extract to liver damage. The problem is that many green tea supplements contain high doses of EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), a toxic catechin. It may increase the risk of hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity), hepatitis, liver inflammation, and other serious injuries.
Need a Texas Green Tea Extract Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by liver damage, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is a popular beverage made from leaves of the Chinese tea tree Camellia sinensis. Drinking green tea is not associated with liver damage, and some studies suggest it might even be beneficial for the liver.
What is the problem?
Over 100 dietary supplements contain green tea extract in concentrations that are significantly higher than what is naturally found in a cup of tea. The maximum tolerated dose of green tea extract is reported to be 9.9 grams per day; the equivalent of 24 cups of tea. Higher doses are associated with symptoms like nausea, headache, and dizziness. Several studies have also linked green tea extract and liver damage.
How Does Green Tea Damage the Liver?
About 10% of green tea extract contains catechin components, primarily epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). However, some types of green tea extract contain significantly higher concentrations. SlimQuick Pure Extra Strength, for example, contains 45% EGCG — 135-mg of EGCG, according to a study describing liver toxicity in a 23-year old woman.
Green Tea Liver Damage Information
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has provided the following green tea liver damage information:
“Liver injury typically arises within 3 months, with latency to onset of symptoms ranging from 10 days to 7 months. The majority of cases present with an acute hepatitis-like syndrome and a markedly hepatocellular pattern of serum enzyme elevations. Most patients recover rapidly upon stopping the extract or HDS, although fatal instances of acute liver failure have been described. Biopsy findings show necrosis, inflammation, and eosinophils in a pattern resembling acute hepatitis.”
What is Liver Toxicity?
The liver is a large organ on the right side of the abdomen, just under the rib cage. It is a vital organ responsible for helping the body digest food, absorb nutrients, store energy, make blood clots, get rid of toxic substances in the body, and more. The liver is primarily made of hepatocytes, which are responsible for metabolizing foreign compounds. Liver toxicity occurs when hepatocytes are damaged or destroyed. Liver failure occurs when the extent of hepatocyte damage exceeds the liver’s regenerative capacity.
Symptoms of Liver Damage
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- Brown urine
- Nausea, vomiting
- Light-colored stools
- Excessive fatigue
- Weakness
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
Need a Green Tea Liver Damage Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas green tea liver damage lawyers for a free lawsuit review.