Australian health authorities have issued an urgent warning after six people in Victoria were hospitalised with liver damage linked to the use of an unapproved peptide product.

Health officials said the patients developed serious liver-related complications after taking the substance, highlighting the growing risks associated with unregulated health and wellness treatments.

Medical experts are urging Australians to exercise caution when purchasing supplements or injectable products that have not been approved by health regulators, as their safety and quality cannot be guaranteed.

The incident has raised concerns about the increasing popularity of experimental peptides promoted online for weight loss, fitness and anti-ageing purposes.

Authorities are investigating the cases and have warned consumers to seek medical advice before using any unapproved health products.

The latest hospitalisations serve as a reminder that seemingly harmless wellness trends can pose significant health risks when products have not undergone proper testing and regulatory approval.