Nutrafol and Liver Injury: What You Need to Know About This Popular Hair Supplement

Nutrafol is one of the most well-known hair growth supplements on the market, marketed as a natural solution for thinning hair and hair loss. But a recent case study presented in The American Journal of Gastroenterology raises serious concerns about potential liver damage linked to Nutrafol.

A 26-year-old woman with no significant liver history developed jaundice and significantly elevated liver enzymes after taking Nutrafol for five months. Medical testing ruled out other potential causes such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, and genetic liver conditions. A liver biopsy showed extensive inflammation and damage, and after discontinuing Nutrafol, the woman’s liver enzymes and bilirubin levels began to improve.

This case has raised important questions about the safety of over-the-counter supplements like Nutrafol, which are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medications.

Ingredients in Nutrafol and Liver Risk

Nutrafol includes a combination of herbal ingredients such as:

• Turmeric (Grade B for hepatotoxic potential)
• Ashwagandha and Horsetail (Grade C)
• Saw Palmetto (Grade D)
• Kelp minerals and Resveratrol (Grade E)

While these ingredients are marketed as natural, they can still have powerful effects on the body and, in some cases, can cause liver injury in susceptible individuals.

What Is Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI)?

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a potentially serious condition that occurs when the liver reacts negatively to a drug or supplement. It can cause symptoms like fatigue, nausea, jaundice, and even liver failure in severe cases. DILI can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble other liver disorders, and there is no single test that confirms it.

Legal Considerations for Liver Injury from Supplements in Florida

In Florida, consumers who suffer harm from defective or dangerous products—including supplements—may be able to pursue a product liability claim. If you developed liver damage after taking Nutrafol or a similar supplement, you may have legal options under Florida product liability laws.

To bring a successful claim, you typically must prove:

• The supplement was unreasonably dangerous or defective
• The supplement caused your injury
• You used the supplement as intended or directed

In some cases, there may also be grounds for a medical malpractice claim if a healthcare provider recommended a supplement that caused harm without properly informing the patient of the risks.

What Makes Supplement Injury Cases So Challenging?

Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements are not regulated or approved by the FDA before they reach the market. This lack of oversight means that dangerous ingredients or harmful interactions can go undisclosed until consumers suffer adverse health effects. In cases like the one involving Nutrafol, even products recommended by healthcare providers may result in severe organ damage like drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Proving liability in supplement-related injury cases can be complex due to multiple factors:

• Manufacturers often use proprietary blends, making it difficult to identify the specific toxic component.
• Medical documentation is essential to establishing the causal link between supplement use and injury.
• These cases often require expert witnesses and independent medical reviews to support claims.

Protecting Yourself from Dangerous Supplements

Consumers often assume that because a product is sold online or recommended by a doctor, it must be safe. However, “natural” does not always mean harmless, and many non-FDA approved supplements may interact negatively with other medications, preexisting conditions, or genetic factors.

Here are a few steps to reduce your risk:

• Always consult with a physician or pharmacist before beginning any new supplement.
• Avoid supplements with long ingredient lists, especially when they include proprietary blends or herbal extracts without clear dosage guidelines.
• Research any reported adverse events tied to the product on databases like the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information portal.
• Report any unusual symptoms or side effects to a healthcare provider immediately.

Your Legal Rights After a Supplement-Related Injury

If you’ve suffered liver damage after taking Nutrafol or any over-the-counter supplement, it’s important to speak with an attorney who has experience handling product liability and supplement-related injury claims. These cases can involve complex questions about medical causation, product testing, and corporate accountability.

Our law firm represents individuals and families throughout Florida in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We are committed to helping clients hold negligent manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable when harm occurs.

If you or a loved one has experienced liver complications after using Nutrafol, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We serve clients in Miami, Hollywood, and throughout all of Florida. Call us at 305-638-4143 or complete our online form to learn more about your legal options.