Toxic Supplements Compromise Teen's Liver, Ending Athletic Dreams

As of August 27th, 2025, a 17-year-old Missouri resident named Christopher Herrera can no longer participate in sports due to the lasting effects of a dangerous supplement he ingested last year. After taking a concentrated green tea extract labeled as a "fat burning" supplement, Christopher's liver was severely compromised, and he nearly required a liver transplant.

While doctors were able to save Christopher's liver, he now faces ongoing health issues and must limit his physical activity to avoid further strain on his organ. Unfortunately, Christopher's story is far from unique, as over 23,000 emergency room visits per year in the United States are attributed to toxic ingredients found in over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplements.

The Missouri Poison Control has recorded dietary and homeopathic products as a top-10 exposure, indicating that residents across the state are using these potentially harmful products and facing serious medical consequences. Furthermore, the ease of access to these dangerous supplements has contributed to a rise in eating disorders among Missouri's youth, with those using OTC weight-loss products being up to six times more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder.

To address this pressing issue, a team from the Harvard T.H. Chan's Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED) has been advocating for legislation in Missouri that would regulate the sale of OTC supplements to individuals under 18, similar to the way vapes are restricted. This targeted approach aims to protect vulnerable youth from the deceptive marketing and serious health risks associated with these products.