However, research suggests they deliver different benefits.
Liver supplements may help prevent liver disease or improve the liver’s health in people with an existing condition.
But they arent proven to help people with healthy livers.
Getty Images / supersizer
Getty Images / supersizer
1.
Milk Thistle
One herb commonly found in liver supplements ismilk thistle(Silybum marianum).
Silymarin has been used in several clinical trials focused on liver disease.
Silymarin may even decrease liver-related deaths.
Dandelion
Dandelion(Taraxacum officinale) has exhibited protective effects in the liver in experimental studies.
In animal research, dandelion also reduces liverfibrosis(scarring).
This may be due to its antioxidant activity.
Dandelion is a common herb in supplements for liver health.
However, clinical trials are required to confirm its benefits in humans.
It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that may improve liver health.
Researchers examined the effects of chanca piedra on people with alcoholichepatitis.
Participants were placed in groups, where they either received a placebo or chanca piedra for four weeks.
Chanca piedra slightly improved AST and ALT levels.
The rats that received jujube had less liver damage, signaling that the supplement might protect the liver.
These changes were likely due to the antioxidants in jujube fruit.
However, this study was performed on rats.
Whether jujube supplements will have a similar effect in people is unknown.
A small pilot study was conducted on people withtuberculosiswho had drug-induced liver damage.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a source ofbetaineand antioxidants, bioactive substances that help prevent fat from accumulating in the liver.
Participants who used beetroot juice had significant decreases in liver enzymes and lipid profiles.
A systematic review of clinical trials found that artichoke decreases liver enzymes (ALT and AST).
These enzymes are commonlyelevatedin diseased livers.
According to researchers, this suggests that artichoke supplements protect the liver.
Artichoke has also been shown to improve liver enzymes and lipid levels in people with MASLD.
Some research suggests that artichoke leaf extract may even improve blood flow through thehepatic (liver) veins.
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a tropical plant with roots used to flavor curry powder.
The active ingredient in turmeric root, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties and may improve liver health.
Turmeric can interact with medications.
Glutathione
Glutathioneis a potent antioxidant naturally produced in the body.
People with liver disease often have low glutathione levels.
A deficiency may lead to cellular damage that contributes to fatty liver disease.
While taking glutathione supplements may promote liver health, more studies are needed to verify the connection.
Choline
Cholineis needed to carry fat away from the liver.
However, there’s no clear evidence that choline in liver supplements will treat or prevent MASLD.
More research is needed.
Vitamins C and E
Your liver depends on many nutrients to stay healthy and functioning.
Its antioxidant activity may protect the liver’s health.
Another study compared varying doses ofvitamin Cin patients with MASLD.
Researchers noted that all three doses improved glucose metabolism and overall liver health.
However, the 1,000 mg dose appeared to be the most beneficial.
A different review found similar results.
Researchers also concluded that vitamin E may be a beneficial complementary treatment for MASLD.
Minerals
Like vitamins, several minerals have essential roles in your liver.
Selenium supplements may also help people with MASLD.
However, the relationship between selenium and MASLD is not well understood.
Experimental studies show that selenium may reduce fat accumulation in the liver by modulating certain enzymes.
Selenium also acts as an antioxidant, reducinginflammationand oxidative stress in the liver.
More research is needed to determine how selenium supplements may improve MASLD and other liver diseases.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativumL.)
contains several bioactive substances, including sulfur-containing compounds, that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
A study published in 2020 found that these active ingredients improved fatty liver disease.
There are common trends for liver health supplement labels.
Some supplements for liver health may provide health benefits, while others may not.
Do I Need to Take a Liver Health Supplement?
Most healthy people do not need to take a liver supplement.
However, there isn’t strong evidence proving that supplements are helpful or necessary if your liver is healthy.
Fortunately, there is evidence that lifestyle habits can improve the health of your liver.
Additionally, somesupplements can harm the liver.
For this reason, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before taking liver supplements.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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