A man has developed serious liver damage after taking Epsom salts to treat gallstones, a BMJ case report reveals. 

 The 38 year old man, who had lost his appetite and was jaundiced, tested negative for a range of common liver diseases.

But a biopsy specimen showed that he had signs of liver damage.  

It later emerged that the patient had been taking three tablespoons of Epsom salts in lukewarm water for 15 days after being advised by a naturopath that this would dissolve his gallstones.

The man was advised to stop taking the salts, to drink plenty of fluids, and was given medication to prevent further liver damage. After around six weeks, his liver function had returned to normal.

The treating clinicians said they believed underlying non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in their patient had led to the extensive liver injury.

Read the case report here.