HairFortin side effects: fo-ti, liver injury and who should avoid it

Quick answerFo-ti, the only ingredient HairFortin names, has been linked to many cases of acute liver injury worldwide, some severe and a few fatal. Because the rest of the formula is not disclosed, other side effects and interactions cannot be checked. People with liver disease, heavy drinkers, pregnant women and anyone on medication processed by the liver should not take it.

The liver risk

The NIH's LiverTox database lists fo-ti among the Chinese herbs most often linked to liver injury and notes reports of severe and fatal cases. In a 2019 series of 29 patients with liver injury from He Shou Wu, the main pattern was moderate to severe hepatitis. Most recovered after stopping, but three developed chronic liver injury and one died of liver failure.

The injury appears to be idiosyncratic: it is not predictable from the dose, and some people seem genetically more susceptible. That means there is no "safe amount" you can rely on, and HairFortin does not disclose its amount anyway.

Warning signs: stop and call a doctor

Yellow skin or eyes
Dark urine or pale stools
Unusual tiredness, nausea or loss of appetite
Pain in the upper right side of the belly
Itching without a rash

Tell the doctor you are taking fo-ti. In many reported cases, patients did not mention the herbal product because they did not think it could be harmful.

Who should not take it

Anyone with liver disease or abnormal liver tests.
People who drink alcohol regularly.
Anyone taking medications or supplements that can stress the liver, including acetaminophen in high doses, some cholesterol and antifungal drugs, and green tea extract or ashwagandha.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Anyone under 18.

Other cautions

Fo-ti can cause diarrhea and stomach upset, especially if raw or poorly processed. The bonus product, HairFortin AgePop, is based on andrographis, which can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions and may interact with blood pressure and blood-thinning medication.

Back to the HairFortin review.

Frequently asked questions

What are the side effects of fo-ti?

The most serious is liver injury, which can be severe. Raw or poorly processed fo-ti can also cause diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.

How soon can fo-ti liver injury appear?

Case reports describe it appearing weeks to months after starting, often with fatigue, nausea, dark urine and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Most people recover after stopping, but some cases become chronic or severe.

Can I take HairFortin while pregnant?

No. Fo-ti should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.