Not only is the liver the largest digestive gland in the body, it’s also an essential organ that plays a central role in health. In fact, the liver is needed to help flush out toxins and support immune function, metabolism, digestion and more. Many popular supplements claim to help enhance the liver’s ability to detoxify the body—but does scientific evidence support such claims, and are these products even safe?
In this article, we take a look at the purported benefits of liver detox supplements, along with the potential risks and safety concerns. Plus, we explore a few other expert-recommended ingredients that may be beneficial for maintaining liver health.
What Are Liver Detox Supplements?
Many liver detox supplements on the market claim to help enhance the function of your liver, which plays a key role in detoxification, along with several other aspects of health. Some of these products contain a blend of botanical ingredients formulated to promote liver health, along with various vitamins and minerals.
Common ingredients in liver detox supplements may include:
- Milk thistle
- Artichoke extract
- Turmeric
- Dandelion root powder
- Chicory extract
- Burdock extract
However, although the term “liver detoxification” is often used in alternative medicine and marketing, it doesn’t have a clear definition, according to Saurabh Sethi, M.D., a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist in Fremont, California. Still, while no specific supplement can guarantee liver health, some ingredients might be beneficial for supporting liver function, he adds.
Benefits of Liver Detox Supplements
Some liver supplements claim to offer a wide range of health benefits. A few of the purported benefits of liver supplements, according to the companies that offer them, include:
- Enhanced bile production
- Optimized metabolism
- Enhanced detoxification
- Support for liver regeneration
- Support for liver cell function
Dr. Sethi notes that not all of these benefits are backed by science. “While certain supplements may claim to support liver health, there isn’t sufficient scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of specific liver detox supplements in enhancing the liver’s natural detoxification processes,” says Dr. Sethi.
Additionally, while some specific herbs and nutrients may be beneficial for certain aspects of liver health, keep in mind that not all liver detox supplements contain the same set of ingredients. Therefore, it’s best to choose a high-quality product with clinically-studied ingredients to maximize the potential liver-boosting benefits.
Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/health/supplements/liver-detox-supplements/
