Are Greens Powders as Safe as You Think?
Greens powders have exploded in popularity as a convenient way to boost nutrient intake, promising everything from increased energy to detoxification. But while the marketing tells one story, the science tells another. A growing body of research has linked certain herbal and dietary supplements—including many found in greens powders—to serious liver damage.
A comprehensive study published in Hepatology found that herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) now account for 20% of all liver injury cases in the U.S.. Among the biggest culprits? Green tea extract, a common ingredient in many so-called “superfood” blends.
In this article, we’ll break down the science behind liver damage from supplements, why certain ingredients are problematic, and how you can protect your health while still getting the nutrients your body needs.
The Truth About Herbal and Dietary Supplements (HDS)
Dietary supplements—including greens powders—are regulated very differently from pharmaceuticals. Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, manufacturers don’t need FDA approval before selling their products. Unlike prescription medications, these supplements can be legally marketed without proving their safety or effectiveness.
This loophole has led to a flood of unregulated supplements, many of which contain undisclosed or mislabeled ingredients. Multi-ingredient nutritional supplements (MINS), which include various herbal extracts, amino acids, and vitamins, are particularly concerning. Often, consumers have no idea what they’re actually ingesting.
How Greens Powders Are Linked to Liver Damage
Green tea extract (GTE) is one of the most frequently cited causes of supplement-induced liver injury. While drinking green tea itself is generally safe, highly concentrated extracts—often found in weight loss products and greens powders—have been linked to severe liver inflammation, jaundice, and even liver failure in extreme cases.
How Does Green Tea Extract Damage the Liver?
- Toxic Levels of EGCG: Green tea extract contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant. While EGCG is beneficial in small amounts, excessive consumption can overwhelm the liver, causing oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Delayed Symptoms: Liver damage from green tea extract doesn’t happen immediately. Most cases develop after one to three months of consistent supplement use, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause.
- Severe Outcomes: In some cases, green tea extract-induced liver injury has led to acute hepatitis, liver failure, and even death. A 2013 outbreak of liver failure in Hawaii was linked to a weight loss supplement containing green tea extract, with 8% of patients requiring a liver transplant.
Other Ingredients That Could Be Damaging Your Liver
While green tea extract is the most well-documented, other herbal ingredients commonly found in greens powders have also been linked to liver toxicity:
- Black Cohosh – Used for hormonal balance, but associated with hepatitis and liver failure.
- Garcinia Cambogia – Popular in weight loss supplements, has been tied to acute liver injury.
- Kratom – Marketed as a natural pain reliever, but known to cause severe hepatotoxicity.
- Red Yeast Rice – Contains monacolin K, a statin-like compound that can cause liver damage similar to prescription cholesterol medications.
- Ayurvedic Herbs (Fo-Ti, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, etc.) – Often contaminated with heavy metals or synthetic drugs, leading to toxic liver reactions.
The Real Danger: Multi-Ingredient Formulas (MINS)
The biggest challenge in identifying supplement-induced liver injury is the complexity of multi-ingredient nutritional supplements (MINS). Many greens powders contain dozens of plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint a single cause of liver toxicity.
A study from the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) found that over two-thirds of supplement-related liver injury cases were caused by products containing multiple herbal ingredients. Often, these products:
- Contain undisclosed ingredients or contaminants
- Lack standardized dosages for active compounds
- Are misleadingly labeled, making it difficult for consumers to assess risks
How to Protect Yourself
If you’re taking a greens powder—or considering one—here’s how you can avoid liver toxicity:
- Skip products with green tea extract (GTE). If you want the benefits of green tea, drink it in its natural form.
- Choose single-ingredient supplements. Instead of complex blends, opt for individual vitamins and minerals to control dosage.
- Check for third-party testing. Look for certifications from USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab to ensure purity and safety.
- Avoid proprietary blends. If a company doesn’t disclose exact ingredient amounts, that’s a red flag.
- Listen to your body. If you experience fatigue, jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes), dark urine, or unexplained nausea, stop taking the supplement immediately and consult a doctor.
Why Beni Takes a Different Approach
At Beni, we believe in full transparency and safety. That’s why our formulas:
- Use only essential, bioavailable nutrients—no unnecessary herbal additives.
- Are third-party tested to ensure purity and safety.
- Contain no green tea extract or other hepatotoxic ingredients.
Your health is an investment, and not all supplements are created equal. If you’re looking for clean, science-backed nutrition, Beni has you covered.
Conclusion: Don’t Fall for the Detox Hype
Many greens powders promise detoxification, but the reality is that your liver already detoxifies your body naturally—as long as you’re not overloading it with harmful supplements.
The takeaway? Be skeptical of multi-ingredient greens powders, especially those containing green tea extract. Choose single-ingredient, high-quality supplements that provide essential nutrients without the risk of liver damage.
At Beni, we prioritize science, safety, and transparency—because your health deserves nothing less.
