Cannabidiol (CBD) has been gaining popularity, with various products like gummies and edibles flooding the market. Many people turn to CBD for its relaxing effects, especially since the European Union declared it non-psychoactive and safe for human health in 2020. However, a recent study by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sheds light on potential risks even at low doses.
In a randomized controlled trial involving 201 participants in the United States, researchers discovered that small amounts of CBD could impact liver function. The study group consisted of 151 individuals who consumed CBD twice daily for four weeks at doses typical of consumer products such as edibles and lotions, totaling five milligrams per day.
Surprisingly, after the four-week period, eight participants who used CBD experienced significantly elevated liver enzyme levels—more than three times above the normal range. Additionally, seven individuals showed signs of potential drug-induced liver injury. This contrasted starkly with zero cases among those who did not consume CBD during the trial.
The rise in liver enzymes is a concerning indicator as it can signal liver inflammation or damage. While these elevations can also result from factors like alcohol consumption or certain medications, the study highlighted a noteworthy correlation between low-dose CBD intake and adverse liver effects.
Interestingly, none of the affected participants displayed symptoms related to their compromised liver function. Moreover, their enzyme levels returned to normal within two weeks after discontinuing CBD usage. Despite this seemingly positive outcome post-intervention, experts cautioned that asymptomatic individuals might overlook potential liver damage caused by CBD if left undetected over time.
The research team emphasized that prolonged or high-dose CBD use could lead to more severe liver complications down the line. Although this particular study had a limited sample size, its design adhered to rigorous standards by randomly assigning participants to either receive CBD or a placebo—an approach considered gold standard in medical research.
While acknowledging the significance of their findings, researchers stressed the necessity for further investigations into long-term implications of CBD usage across diverse populations and safety considerations regarding commonly consumed lower doses.
In conclusion, as interest in CBD continues to surge globally due to its perceived therapeutic benefits and widespread availability in various products, consumers should remain informed about potential health risks associated with even modest consumption levels—a precaution underscored by this enlightening FDA study on CBD’s impact on liver function.
