New study on CBD: risks to the liver and lack of benefits!

New study on CBD: risks to the liver and lack of benefits!

The health risks and potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) are the subject of intense scientific debate. This discussion was revitalized by a comprehensive risk-benefit analysis by the Senate Commission of the German Research Foundation (DFG). This analysis, supported by the German Sport University Cologne, found that despite the growing popularity of CBD, particularly in the sports and fitness scene, the scientific evidence supporting health benefits is insufficient. Products containing CBD, which are offered in the form of dietary supplements, chocolate, tea and gummies, often contain no evidence of the advertised effects, e.g. B. Increased performance or pain relief. This leads to the question of whether such products are actually safe to take, especially at the commonly recommended dosages of up to 300 milligrams per day.

In its study, published in the specialist journal “Nutrients”, the DFG warned of the possible health-damaging effects of CBD. These include, among other things, damage to the liver, interactions with other medications and sometimes serious side effects from long-term or high-dose use. Research shows that CBD can have negative effects on the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and endocrine system when used long-term. The analysis is based on human studies and refers to doses that are within the relevant range for food products.

New findings on the safety of CBD

New studies have now raised additional concerns about the safety of CBD. A researcher-led study in mice found that signs of liver toxicity occurred at high doses of CBD, equivalent to 200 milligrams for humans. However, doses administered often exceeded recommended human doses, making the results difficult to interpret. Critics of the study warn of the risks that can result from transferring animal experiments to humans, since mice and humans are physiologically different.

The results published as part of the study indicate that no adverse effects were observed at the maximum recommended human daily dose of 20 mg/kg. But experts emphasize that consumers should be careful when purchasing CBD products and, if necessary, consult a doctor. Caution is particularly advised for people with liver problems or who are taking liver-damaging medications.

Areas of application and market development of CBD

CBD is often valued for its potential health benefits. Medical uses of the active ingredient range from pain relief to support for anxiety disorders and sleep disorders. According to recent surveys, CBD is increasingly being used in the food industry, being used in various products such as drinks, teas and dietary supplements. CBD is also valued in the cosmetics industry due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Products here aim to alleviate skin irritations and support skin healing.

While the therapeutic range of CBD is generally considered safe, its use at high doses should be undertaken with caution. Despite the promising results in research into the treatment of epilepsy and other diseases, a comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of CBD on human health remains needed. The quality and actual CBD content in the food is crucial to avoid unwanted side effects and ensure consumer safety.

The study funded by the DFG and further research on CBD can help reduce prejudices and lead an informed public discussion about the actual health effects and risks of cannabidiol. dshs-koeln.de reports on the analyzed health risks and cbd360.de complements the security questions while weed.de provides context for broader research.