Foods and Supplements to Avoid for those with Hepatitis/Liver Disease

Raw shellfish (oysters and clams) have been the source of many outbreaks of hepatitis A. People with chronic liver disease are at increased risk of complications and poor outcomes if they become infected with hepatitis A. Therefore, all people with chronic liver disease who intend to eat shellfish should get the hepatitis A vaccination. (see Chapter 24 for more information on vaccinations). There have been some reports of people with hemochromatosis dying from eating raw shellfish that was contaminated with the bacteria Vibrio Vulnificus. High iron levels has been linked to fatal infection with this bacteria, therefore, it is probably wise for people with hemochromatosis, other liver disease with high iron levels such as hepatitis C, and cirrhosis due to any liver disease to avoid raw or poorly cooked shellfish.  Well- cooked shellfish on the other hand is not dangerous.

     Many wild mushrooms found in North America and Europe contain deadly toxins known as phallotoxins (phalloidin and alpha amanitin). These mushrooms are renowned for causing liver failure, or even death, when consumed. As a precaution, all patients with liver disease are advised to avoid eating wild mushrooms, especially if self-picked. See Chapter 21 for more information concerning these mushrooms.

Shark cartilage is a nutritional supplement that has been purported to be of benefit to some people with cancer. There is a possible, although unproven, association be-tween shark cartilage and drug-induced hepatitis. People with chronic liver disease are best advised to avoid this supplement until it has been evaluated further.

Aflatoxin, a hepatotoxin (common in Asia and Southern Africa, but uncommon in the United States), is produced by a fungus (Aspergillus). This fungus is a potential contaminant of foods that have been stored for prolonged periods of time in damp, warm conditions. The most commonly infected foods are peanuts and corn. In some countries, aflatoxins have been linked to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. This is discussed in more detail inmy book.

Saccharin, a sweetener, has been associated with acute hepatitis. Even though this association has not been conclusively proven, people with liver disease are best advised to avoid saccharin.

All contents of this article are Copyright © Melissa Palmer, MD

Melissa Palmer, MD is the author of " Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide of Hepatitis and Liver Disease". (Published 2004. Penguin Putnam).

Dr. Palmer is an internationally renowned hepatologist who has been practicing medicine since 1985. Prior to 2012, she maintained perhaps the largest medical practice devoted to liver disease in the United States. Dr. Palmer is Clinical Professor of Medicine at New York University Medical Center. Dr. Palmer graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. and was trained in hepatology (as well as medical school) at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Dr. Palmer is Board Certified in Gastroenterology and in Internal Medicine.

She has authored numerous scientific publications in the field of hepatology in such peer-reviewed journals as Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Seminars of Liver Disease, Transplantation and Archives of Internal Medicine.

She is frequently called upon by the media for her opinion on various topics related to liver disease. Dr. Palmer has appeared many times on television as a liver disease expert and has been quoted in such publications as TIME magazine, Cosmopolitan magazine, Prevention magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Newsday. She also has appeared in numerous videos and CD-Roms aimed at educating doctors and the public about hepatitis C and other liver diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis. Dr. Palmer lectures to the medical and general public on liver disease-related topics on a regular basis.

Dr. Palmer has performed numerous clinical trials on various experimental medications for the treatment of hepatitis.

Dr. Palmer is currently available for lecturing, investor and hedge-fund consultations, consultations to industry, and media interviews and appearances-- including television. For such matters, she can be contacted through hepatitismedia@gmail.com.

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