UK woman suffers brain damage from ashwagandha supplements

A woman from Cheshire, UK, has suffered significant brain damage following a medical emergency linked to ashwagandha supplements. Lois Kinder, 44, had been consuming ashwagandha gummies for approximately one year after discovering them on social media.

In July, Kinder developed jaundice-like symptoms and was found unresponsive at home. Medical professionals determined she had suffered acute liver failure. While she underwent a successful liver transplant, she subsequently suffered three cardiac arrests during the procedure due to a blood clot in her lungs. The resulting oxygen deprivation caused lasting brain damage, and her long-term physical and cognitive recovery remains uncertain.

Following the incident, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued guidance regarding the risks of purchasing supplements online. The agency advised consumers to ensure businesses are reputable and to exercise caution when using online marketplaces, noting that it can be difficult to verify the origin of products or identify counterfeit items, particularly when prices are significantly lower than average.