The reported wave of illness has caused anger among consumers, but food-induced liver damage has also confused nutritionists and health professionals. It is unclear which ingredient caused them, as Daily Harvest is trying to figure out what caused such serious symptoms. “I don’t understand what’s going on with this,” said Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition, food research, and public health at New York University who isn’t involved in the study. “They don’t seem to have any clues.”
What usually causes elevated liver enzymes and liver damage?
High levels of enzymes indicate liver damage and may point to a variety of problems, said Dr. Laura Klik, a hepatologist at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I am. She said that up to 30% of tests showing elevated liver enzymes are associated with dietary supplements containing unregulated vitamins and herbs. Antibiotics can also increase liver enzymes, as well as excessive alcohol intake, hepatitis, and viral infections.
According to Dr. Nestle, eating food rarely damages the liver. Toxins in wild mushrooms can cause acute liver poisoning, beyond which foods usually do not increase enzyme levels. “This is very unusual, so it’s very important to understand what’s going on,” she said.
This past spring, organic strawberries have been associated with the development of hepatitis A, a virus that can cause liver disease.
What are the signs of liver damage?
“Whenever you are in the emergency room and someone is complaining of nausea, they get a liver function test,” Dr. Klik said. She said abdominal pain, malaise, fever, and itching (especially with a rash) could indicate liver damage. Jaundice, a condition in which the skin and eyes turn yellow, is also one of the main symptoms.
Other signs of liver damage that doctors are said to be careful about include darker urine and lighter stools. Anyone experiencing these or any of the above symptoms should see a doctor.