Health Canada warns: Green tea extract may cause liver damage.

Health Canada has strengthened  its warning on green tea extract products  which are found in many over-the-counter weight-loss powders, pills and liquid supplements over concerns of increased risk of liver damage.

Green tea extract products are authorized for sale in Canada and are often used in weight loss and as a source of antioxidants – the main antioxidant being EGCG.

Acc. to Health Canada, there have been ongoing reports of serious liver injury worldwide, including a recent report in Canada. After conducting a review, the government body concluded that there may be a link between consuming green tea extract and “a risk of rare and unpredictable liver injury.”

Another recommendation is that these products only be used by adults. As well, product license holders of these natural health products that are intended for children will be required to either remove the ingredient entirely from the product or change their label to indicate that the product is for adult use only.

The World Health Organization Adverse Drug Reaction Database found 89 reports of liver injury associated with these products worldwide. However, Health Canada says there wasn’t enough information within the reports to do an in-depth assessment.

Health Canada explains that green tea drinks or food products are different than extract products because they usually contain less EGCG, so consuming green tea in any form won’t cause harm.The extract, however, contains a higher concentrated amount of EGCG, which is what Health Canada believes is causing liver injuries.