Australian researchers say the number of patients being admitted to hospital with severe liver injuries caused by herbal and dietary supplements claiming to promote muscle growth or weight loss is increasing, with some people harmed so severely they required a liver transplant.
Specialist transplant hepatologist Dr Ken Liu says more rigorous regulatory oversight is needed for supplements and natural therapies or other alternatives.
Dr Ken Harvey, a public health physician, says currently there is no pre-market evaluation by the TGA, and limited post-marketing surveillance shows a high level of regulatory non-compliance.