Green Tea Extract Powder
Brewed green tea is generally safe, but concentrated extracts (especially in supplement form) have been linked to rare cases of hepatotoxicity. EFSA 2018 concluded that EGCG doses >=800 mg/day may pose hepatic risk.
What it is
Concentrated extract of Camellia sinensis leaves, often standardized to catechins such as EGCG.
Functional ingredient providing antioxidant catechins; also used for caffeine and flavor.
Why it's flagged
- Hepatotoxicity risk at high EGCG doses
- Caffeine content
- Quality and dose vary widely between products
What regulators actually say
"Doses at and above 800 mg EGCG/day taken as a food supplement have been shown to induce a statistically significant increase of serum transaminases."
"Green tea extracts have been associated with several cases of liver damage."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Marketed as a dietary supplement under DSHEA; FDA has issued warnings on liver injury
European Union — EFSA
EFSA 2018: EGCG doses >=800 mg/day from supplements may pose hepatotoxicity risk
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