ATLANTA (CDC) -- Dietary supplements containing kava have been associated with reports of liver damage leading to organ transplantation.

Consumers and health care providers should be aware of the potential risk for hepatic toxicity associated with the use of kava containing products, particularly those persons who have pre-existing liver disease or are at risk for liver disease. Healthcare professionals in Germany, Switzerland and the United States have reported the occurrence of severe liver toxicity and subsequent organ transplantation possibly associated with the consumption of products containing the dietary supplement kava. Two cases have been reported in the United States.