Low-Dose CBD Reduced Exercise-Induced Liver Enzyme Spikes in Athletes

In a three-arm crossover RCT, exercise significantly increased liver enzymes GOT and GPT in placebo groups. Both CBD oil and CBD solubilisate at 60 mg/day for 7 days significantly blunted these increases in the advanced athlete group (GOT: p=0.050 and p=0.027; GPT: p=0.027 and p=0.023). These effects were not observed in highly advanced athletes. No hepatotoxic effects were detected.

Randomized, three-arm, double-blind, crossover study with 17 well-trained male subjects (age 26, 85.6 kg). Two CBD products (oil and solubilisate, 60 mg each) versus placebo, consumed daily over 7 days during high-intensity exercise microcycles. Liver enzymes (GOT, GPT, GGT) and creatinine measured pre and post each microcycle.

CBD is widely used by athletes but concerns about liver safety persist. This study provides evidence that low-dose CBD (below the 300 mg LOAEL threshold) is not hepatotoxic and may actually protect against exercise-induced liver stress.

The finding that CBD has pharmacological effects on liver enzymes even at 60 mg (well below doses used in epilepsy treatment) suggests that consumer-grade CBD products are not biologically inert, even if they do not cause overt harm.

Small sample (n=17), all male. Effects only seen in advanced but not highly advanced athletes, suggesting fitness-dependent responses. Short duration (7 days). Crossover design helps but washout period adequacy is unclear.