Even supplements that may seem like they're good for you can sometimes cause serious side effects. A woman hoping to improve her hair and skin has developed liver failure due to an additive in her vitamin supplements.
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After embarking on a health drive to drop a bit of weight, Jenny Ramirez noticed a few negative results. She had been losing the pounds, but her hair and skin were also suffering. She noticed her hair was thinning, so she went to her local pharmacy for some treatment.
At the pharmacy, she was given a common supplement designed to help with hair, skin, and nails. However, after only a few weeks of taking the vitamins, she noticed a yellowing of her skin and eyes. This is a common sign of jaundice and liver failure, so she went to her doctors.
Initially, they were baffled. "They couldn't figure out what was wrong with me, apart from needing my gallbladder removed," she said in a TikTok post. "They thought I had hepatitis, and [the tests] were all negative, negative, negative, negative. They're like, have you started any new medicine? I'm like, no. [They asked] Have you started a new multivitamin or any vitamins?"
It was then that she realised her skin care vitamins were causing her liver failure.
Untested Additives In Vitamins Caused Liver Failure
The vitamins she had been taking for her hair and nails contained something called MSM, which the doctors have attributed to her liver failure. Despite there being little evidence to support methylsulfonylmethane causing liver failure, in this case, it seems to be the culprit.
It took her doctors a long time to figure out that the skin care vitamins had caused her liver failure. It was only after quizzing her on her diet and supplement changes that they worked it out. However, it appears those over-the-counter supplements might not be as healthy as advertised.
Things like turmeric and ashwagandha, which are commonly included, can be dangerous in high doses. It is always important to check with your GP before taking new supplements. The best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle is to ensure your diet contains everything you need.
