Do liver supplements Work
The liver performs many essential functions, including cleaning the blood, synthesizing proteins, producing hormones, and aiding digestion. Some manufactures of liver supplements claim that their products will detoxify and rejuvenate the liver.
Although the liver acts as the body’s primary detoxification and filtration system, supplement manufacturers like to suggest that the liver could use a detox of its own.
In this article, we take a look at the research behind liver supplements to figure out if these products work.
Do liver supplements work?
- detoxify the liver and kidneys
- promote overall liver health
- optimize liver function
- protect liver cells from inflammation
- promote the production of bile
- increase metabolism and immune system function
Taking herbal and dietary supplements for any reason may do more harm than good. Available data suggest that herbal dietary supplements are responsible for 20% of liver injuries in the United States.
According to a study involving the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network, herbal dietary supplements may cause more severe liver injuries than conventional medications.
Lever injury from these supplements can contribute to:
- reduced blood clotting
- abdominal swelling
- jaundice, or yellowing of skin and eyes
- encephalopathy or brain damage
People with drug induced liver injury may require a liver transplant. The researchers behind the DILIN study found that liver transplant and death occurred more frequently in people who took herbal dietary supplements than those taking pharmaceutical medication.
Food and Drug Administration
Manufacturers of supplements can also begin selling or marketing supplements without approval from the FDA, unlike medicines.
Popular ingredients in liver supplements
Many liver supplements contain a combination a combination of herbal ingredients, vitamins, and minerals.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle, also known as seminarian, is the most common herbal supplement for liver problems in the U. S. Milk thistle extract contains approximately 50% sibling, which is the active ingredient in summarily.
Silibinin acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free cradles that contribute to inflammation.
The researchers behind one found that 7 grams per day of Epaclin, a food supplement containing silymarin, vitamin E, and amino acids, significantly lowered the levels of enzymes that doctors associate with liver damage.
Zinc
Another older 2012 study suggests that zinc supplementation may help protect the liver from oxidative stress due to hepatitis C viral infections.
More research is needed, however, to support the use of zinc in treating hepatitis C or other liver diseases.
Licorice root
Licorice root contains an active compound called glycerine acid, which may help reduce inflammation in the liver and regenerate damaged liver cells.
According to one 2016 phase III clinical trial 379 people with chronic hepatitis C received glycyrrhizin in ejections three or five times a week or five placebo injections.
According to the findings, a higher proportion of individuals in the glycyrrhizin groups showed significant reductions in symptoms in comparison to the control group.
However, the current evidence is too limited to support the use of licorice root for treating or preventing liver disease.
Conclusion
The Dietary Guidelines for American 2015-2020 recommend limiting alcohol consumption to more than one drink per day for females and no more than two drinks per day from males. Zinc is an essential trace element that promotes cell division, DNA synthesis, and immune function. Chronic liver disease can lead to zinc deficiency another older 2012 study suggests that zinc supplementation may help protect the liver from oxidative stress due to hepatitis C viral infections.