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Kava is a popular drink that originates from the Pacific Islands. It has been consumed for thousands of years, and it has recently gained popularity in the west due to its stress-reducing properties. However, kava has faced many controversies in the past, including being banned in Germany and the EU in the early 2000s. This ban was lifted in 2015, but concerns about the safety of kava persist. In this blog post, we will address common myths and misconceptions about the safety of kava, and provide evidence-based information to answer the question on everyone’s mind: is kava safe?
Introduction
In the early 2000s, the sale and consumption of kava tablets were booming in Germany. However, this boom came to an abrupt stop when a study allegedly found that kava can cause liver damage. As a result, Germany banned the sale and consumption of all kava products, and the EU followed suit. This ban was misinformed and based on flawed studies. Fortunately, new research has since discredited these studies, and in 2015, the EU lifted the ban on kava. However, despite the lifting of the ban and the new evidence, concerns about the safety of kava persist.
Misconceptions about Kava Safety
Many people still believe that kava is dangerous and can cause liver damage. The truth is that most of the evidence used to support this claim has been discredited. The studies that claimed that kava can cause liver damage were based on flawed research and, in some cases, were funded by pharmaceutical companies that produced competing drugs. These studies did not take into account other factors that could have caused liver damage, such as alcohol consumption or the use of other drugs. More recently conducted studies have debunked the claims about the liver toxicity of kava.
For those of you who wish to deep dive into debunking some of the common results found for searches such as “Is Kava Safe” we highly recommend checking out the informative blog Kava Facts
Can Kava Damage My Liver?
The short answer is no. A study published in 2016 in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that kava consumption is not associated with liver toxicity. The study analyzed the effects of kava consumption on liver function tests in 170 adults who regularly consumed kava. The study concluded that kava consumption did not affect liver function tests.
Additionally, a systematic review of 85 studies published in the same journal in 2018 found that kava was safe to consume. The reviewers concluded that the liver toxicity associated with kava consumption was either rare or nonexistent. They also recommended that the case reports used to support the claim that kava can cause liver damage should be reevaluated.
What is a Safe Dose of Kavalactones Consumption Per Day?
The safe dose of kavalactones consumption per day is a matter of debate, and the supposed safe levels found on Google are incorrect. The notion of a safe dose of kavalactones is based on the assumption that kava can cause liver damage. However, as we have discussed, this is not the case. A study published in 2016 in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis found that kava consumption was safe, even at high doses of up to 800mg of kavain per day. Its important to note that this is less than the approximate serve of kavain in 1 big serve found at a kava bar in Vanuatu – more on that later.
However, it’s important to note that kava can cause sedation and impair cognitive function when consumed at high doses. Thus, it’s recommended to stick to low to moderate doses. The recommended dose will depend on the individual, their body weight, and the potency and type of kava product. Consult with a healthcare provider before consuming kava, especially if you have underlying health conditions or if you’re taking other medications.
Do Not Use Kava with Alcohol
Kava should not be consumed with alcohol or other drugs, in the same way other pharmaceuticals should not be consumed with alcohol or drugs. One study found that the combination of alcohol and kava can lead to a build-up of acetone in the liver, which can cause liver damage. However, this study had its limitations and should be interpreted with caution. Nonetheless, it’s safer to avoid combining kava with alcohol or other drugs.
Is Kava Safe - The Conclusion
In conclusion, kava is actually considerably safer than alcohol. Despite its past controversies and the misconceptions about its safety, there is no evidence to support the claim that kava can cause liver damage. Kava has been consumed for thousands of years, and if it was truly a serious health risk, then the majority of the adult population in Vanuatu and other Pacific nations would be sick!
It’s important to note that kava can have sedative and cognitive effects when consumed at high doses. Therefore, it’s recommended to stick to low to moderate doses and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health conditions or if you’re taking other medications. Additionally, kava should not be consumed with alcohol or other drugs.
References:
- Singh YN. Kava: an overview. J Ethnopharmacol. 1992; 37: 13–45.
- Steiner GG. The correlation between Raman spectra and neurophysiological activities in humans: a new approach. J Mol Struct. 2001; 565–566: 333–344.
– Sarris J, Stough C, Bousman CA, et al. Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2013; 33: 643-648.
– Sarris J, Stough C, Teschke R, et al. Kava: a comprehensive review of efficacy, safety, and psychopharmacology. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2013; 47: 977-992.
– Sarris J, LaPorte E, Schweitzer I. Kava: a risk-benefit assessment. J Psychiatr Res. 2011; 45: 192-199.
