Are Liver Support Supplements Effective?

There’s a good chance you’ve seen advertisements for liver support supplements. They claim that they can improve your energy levels, detoxify your liver, and do a number of other things. But do they actually accomplish what they set out to do? Let’s find out by taking a more in-depth look at the research that went into developing these dietary supplements.

Silymarin

Milk thistle is the source of the compound known as silymarin, which is extracted from the plant. It is one of the most common ingredients found in supplements designed to support the liver, and it is believed to improve liver function by preventing damage to the cells of the liver.

The results of studies on silymarin are inconsistent. Some people believe that it can be used to treat specific liver conditions, such as alcoholic cirrhosis, while others conclude that it has no significant effects. There is a need for additional research to determine whether or not silymarin is actually effective.

N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-acetyl cysteine, also known as NAC, is an amino acid that may increase the levels of glutathione in the body. Glutathione is a compound that aids in the protection of cells from damage. Because of this, NAC is occasionally utilised in the medical community as a treatment for liver conditions such as fatty liver disease.

There is some evidence to suggest that NAC may be beneficial in the treatment of fatty liver disease as well as other conditions. However, the majority of studies on NAC have been relatively small, which means that additional research is required to validate its effects.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a plant whose extracts have been traditionally used to treat liver disorders. Like silymarin, milk thistle is thought to improve liver function by protecting cells from damage. 

According to mensjournal.com, there is some evidence that milk thistle can help treat certain liver disorders. However, most of the studies on milk thistle have been small, so more research is needed to confirm its effects. 

The Pros

There are a few different considerations to make before deciding whether or not to take a liver supplement. To begin, taking supplements can be helpful in reducing the amount of fat that is stored in your liver if you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

In addition to this, they have the ability to shield your liver from further damage and improve its overall function. In addition, taking supplements can help reduce the risk of liver damage, which is especially helpful if you have a habit of drinking alcohol or take medications that are known to be harmful to the liver.

Conclusion

Liver support supplements usually contain silymarin, N-acetyl cysteine, or milk thistle extract. These ingredients are thought to improve liver function by protecting cells from damage or boosting levels of glutathione (a compound that helps protect cells from damage).

There is some evidence that these ingredients may help treat certain liver disorders; however, most of the studies on these ingredients have been small, so more research is needed to confirm their effects. If you’re considering taking a liver support supplement, talk to your doctor first to see if it’s right for you.