Yucca can cause loose stools at higher amounts (several times higher than the recommended amounts).⁶ Yucca and other saponins can cause red blood cells to burst (known as “hemolysis”) in test tubes. The level to which this occurs when the saponins are taken by mouth, if it occurs at all, is unknown. However, yucca is approved for use in foods as a foaming agent (particularly in root beer). Since there have been no reports of problems with hemolysis in root beer drinkers, yucca herbal supplements are believed to be generally safe.⁷ Use of yucca for more than three months consecutively is not recommended as it may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.⁶