Can CBD Affect Liver Health? A Comprehensive Study
Author: Ondrej Stovicek
More and more clinical studies are being conducted to uncover the various effects of CBD on our health. A significant question being explored is whether CBD can positively or negatively impact liver function. A new study conducted from August 2020 to February 2021 investigated the potential effects of CBD on the liver in adults.
Study Overview and Objectives
The study, provided by ValidCare in the USA, aimed to determine if regular CBD use would show signs of liver dysfunction and to offer evidence-based data for the appropriate regulation of hemp products containing CBD. This study was also motivated by the fact that hepatocellular injury is a known side effect of Epidiolex, the only CBD pharmaceutical product currently on the market.
Study Details
Participant and Product Information
The study involved 839 participants who used hemp-based CBD supplements in oral form (primarily CBD oil) for at least 60 days. Researchers used 12 brands of over-the-counter CBD products to fill research gaps concerning these products.
Results and Findings
According to Dr. Jeff Lombardo, a toxicologist and co-investigator of the trial, none of the participants showed clinical evidence of advanced liver disease. Less than 10% of participants experienced minor, clinically insignificant increases in liver function tests, regardless of age, product formulation, or amount consumed. Three participants had liver enzyme ALT levels three times higher than normal, but it was unclear if this was due to prescribed medications or other factors.
Nearly 70% of participants reported maintaining the same medical health indicators and continued taking liver medications without increased side effects. Other similar studies showed an 11% increase in liver function indicators, while this study showed about a 9% increase.
“This unexpected, positive finding makes the data even more compelling and provides significant data to consider secondary safety measures for the entire population,” said Dr. Keith Aqua, a physician and co-investigator based in Miami.
Study Conclusion
ValidCare's decentralized clinical research platform and partnerships with national laboratories enabled the successful completion of this study, delivering the results to brands and FDA officials. The study found no evidence of toxicity or worsening liver disease in 839 participants who consumed hemp-based CBD. This evidence-based data has been provided to the FDA to guide safe regulatory actions and help consumers make informed decisions about using oral CBD products for various conditions.
Recommendations
When choosing a CBD product, adhere to the recommended daily dosage and consult with your medical doctor before starting CBD supplementation.