Green tea capsules are a popular supplement marketed for their anti-cancer fighting properties, anti-oxidant benefits and as a slimming aid. They are sold in various forms including capsules, tablets, powders and liquids.But experts now say taking the pills on an empty stomach especially may cause the active ingredients to have a more powerful and toxic effect on the liver.
Green tea's active ingredient is a type of antioxidant called catechins. In particular, epigallocatchin gallate (EGCG) – the most abundant catechin appears to be the culprit. Extracts contain these at much higher levels than are found in the brewed version of the popular drink.
The users are advised to stop using the product and seek medical help if they develop yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, sweating, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or loss of appetite, as they may be symptoms of liver problems. There are many cases of liver failure associated with green tea supplements.Pharmacology have linked dozens of cases of liver damage to green tea EGCG.
CBC say at least two deaths have been partially linked to taking the capsules.
Last March, the Norwegian food safety authority issued a similar warning about the supplements.
Mattilsynet acted after it received several reports of adverse events, the majority of which were liver damage. It pointed to higher levels of EGCG as a concern.
Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council, said taking the pills on an empty stomach may be dangerous. The presumption is that people are taking these EGCG-containing supplements on an empty stomach. Concentrated catechins that hit the liver in a fasting state might have an effect that is different than when the liver is metabolising food.
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