The liver plays an important role in the metabolism by eliminating many drugs through the excretion of the bile. Medications, certain chemicals, and plant-based supplements may lead to liver problems. To be more precise, we’re talking about an injury to the liver or impairment of the liver function caused by exposure to harmful substances. Unsurprisingly, liver toxicity is the main cause of the removal of drugs from the market and the issuance of boxed warnings. Until now, it was strongly believed that hemp-based CBD products can cause liver damage if taken orally. Now, we know better. A recent study shows that there’s no evidence of liver disease or elevated liver function as far as the use of CBD from hemp is concerned.
Researchers presented the preliminary results of the human-safety study to the FDA back in March. The clinical trial involved approximately 839 participants, who completed the study between August 2020 and February 2021, and was sponsored by ValidCare, a company that provides clinical research outsourcing and consumer intelligence solutions for consumer packaged goods. It was carried out at the FDA’s request, which is trying to determine how to appropriately regulate CBD products. Slight elevations of liver function, unimportant from a clinical standpoint, were observed in less than 10% of consumers. It’s currently investigated if they were taking prescribed medications, which could have contributed to the abnormalities.
Owing to its staggering success, a second cohort will be added to the study to enhance its statistical reliability and increase secondary measures across diverse populations and consumers suffering from various illnesses. Several important CBD brands sponsored the study, but this isn’t the time or the place to disclose their names. The results of this study benefit the industry as a whole, adding legitimacy and helping avoid costly mistakes. Technology-oriented research can turn out to be an invaluable tool when it comes to corporate strategy, satisfying market needs.
The verdict: CBD is safe for consumption
CBD, which is short for cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940. It has been covered in the media for some time now, largely due to its therapeutic properties. Some of the health benefits of CBD include but aren’t limited to managing childhood epilepsy, helping patients that undergo the misery of insomnia, and treating different forms of chronic pain. On the basis of the expert judgment, the vast majority of CBD products are manufactured from the hemp plant and they contain almost no THC. This means that they’re not psychoactive. Marijuana-derived CBD is usually consumed for its intoxicating properties. The point is that hemp-based and cannabis-based CBD products are different.
Since the legalization of hemp, the CBD industry has expanded greatly. Online and direct-to-consumer remain the main channels of distribution. Even if CBD products are gaining wider recognition, some questions still stand. More exactly, consumers aren’t sure if it’s really safe and healthy. This is precisely why it’s important to run clinical trials – to demonstrate that this alternative form of therapy is safe and show how well it works. Clinical trials like the one we’ve discussed earlier help answer important questions and improve health and quality of life for people, who are probably reluctant to try CBD.
Liver toxicity is one of the biggest fears associated with taking new drugs or supplements, and CBD products are no exception. If you’re taking into account the use of CBD for sleep issues or anxiety, you might worry that it can affect liver enzymes. Well, it doesn’t. CBD consumption doesn’t have adverse effects on the liver, which translates into the fact that there’s no reason for concern. Taking CBD over a longer period of time won’t cause liver damage, as many like to think. Nevertheless, it’s important to pay close attention to dosage, especially if you’re using Delta 8 cart. The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that when taken in very large doses, it leads to lethargy, an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea.
The FDA is making efforts to understand more about CBD
It’s not a secret that CBD is legal but it’s not federally regulated. Until now, the FDA has approved only one product – Epidiolex, that is. It’s a prescription drug that’s used to treat seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex. Formal regulations haven’t been issued for the CBD industry and it’s normal to want to know why. Countless CBD companies are currently operating in America, which face great challenges. Given the absence of any regulation, many shady firms operate at the expense of consumers, all the while damaging the reputation of the industry. The FSA should issue guidance and rules regarding the use of CBD in supplements, foods, and beverages. Besides this, you can visit this site holistapet if you are looking for the best CBD products to treat seizures in dogs.
The good news is that the FDA is currently advancing work related to cannabidiol production with the aim of protecting public health. Efforts are made to learn more about CBD, especially in the context that many people use products like hemp flower or gummies. The outcome is that the FDA is trying to gather science to see if there are indeed safety concerns and inform the public about potential benefits. The focus is on reliable and high-quality data. What needs to be understood is that the FDA has nothing against CBD consumption; it simply wants to address the gaps in data, which hopefully will happen sooner than later.
Final considerations
CBD products, particularly hemp-based ones, are tested by third parties, which provide a certificate of analysis. Nonetheless, to some consumers, this isn’t enough to make them purchase. They would rather acquire products that have been backed by scientific research. This translates into an immediate need for CBD safety research, which matters to consumers and the FDA alike. The presence of regulations surrounding CBD would allow companies to plan and create new products. At this point, we can safely claim that CBD consumption isn’t disastrous for the liver. No liver damage has been recorded in CBD users, yet it’s important to follow the recommended dosage.
All in all, the FDA plays an important role when it comes to the number of products launched in the market. It’s hoped that it will obtain much-needed data in the nick of time. The CBD industry is ready to move forward.
