A recent clinical trial has raised concerns about the safety of low doses of cannabidiol (CBD), despite the increasing popularity of CBD products in the United States. Scientists from the Food and Drug Administration conducted a randomized trial to investigate the effects of low-dose CBD on liver function in healthy middle-aged individuals. Participants were given either a low dose of oral CBD or a placebo over four weeks, with regular monitoring of liver enzyme levels.
The trial revealed that while most participants did not experience any adverse effects, 5% showed significantly elevated levels of a liver enzyme associated with liver damage or inflammation, particularly among women. Liver enzyme levels returned to normal after discontinuing CBD. Seven participants withdrew from the trial due to signs of potential liver injury.
The study’s findings are significant, suggesting that CBD alone may pose risks to liver health, especially for those using over-the-counter CBD supplements. The surge in CBD product sales in recent years underscores the importance of understanding potential risks and ensuring safe usage.
Symptoms of liver injury include abdominal discomfort, jaundice, and fatigue, but these symptoms may not always be immediately apparent. Healthcare providers are advised to inquire about CBD use when assessing liver function, as many individuals may not be aware of the potential harm. The study emphasizes the need for further research on the safety and efficacy of CBD products for various health conditions.
The impact of abidiol on liver function has raised concerns, particularly after an FDA analysis of CBD-based prescription drugs used in treating childhood epilepsy revealed elevated liver enzymes in 14% of participants. Withdrawals from epilepsy clinical trials due to elevated liver enzyme levels were a common occurrence, with some attributing it to the concurrent use of other anti-epileptic medications alongside CBD. Research has shown that CBD may affect liver cells similarly to acetaminophen, a commonly known pain reliever. Excessive intake of acetaminophen is a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury in the United States. Studies indicate that individuals at higher risk of liver injury are those consuming very high doses of CBD, exceeding 1000 mg per day, while even moderate doses between 300 mg and 1000 mg per day have been associated with liver abnormalities in some cases. Genetics may play a role in determining susceptibility to these effects. CBD has been found to inhibit certain liver enzymes crucial for drug metabolism, potentially contributing to liver complications. Notably, individuals experiencing severe liver issues in an FDA trial also showed signs of an immune condition called eosinophilia. Monitoring liver safety remains crucial, especially as CBD gains interest for treating various conditions. While CBD is generally considered safe by experts like Dr. Watkins, caution is advised as more potent CBD products enter the market, potentially posing risks for individuals with poor liver adaptation. The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network, supported by the National Institutes of Health, continues to monitor and assess CBD’s impact on liver health.
