Do you know how much your liver does for your body? Americans frequently misunderstand or underestimate the importance of the liver to overall health and wellness. The liver is a large organ; it’s almost the size of a football in most people! And it serves many integral functions. Without a working liver, you might not be able to survive at all, much less look and feel your best and healthiest. The liver is located right under the rib cage, as most people probably already know.
The primary purpose of the liver is to help remove toxins from the foods you eat and the liquids you drink. Without a functioning liver, the many toxins we consume daily would quickly overwhelm the body and cause serious illness. The liver also directly influences metabolism, which is essential for both weight loss and overall health. Some people think that metabolic function only impacts body weight; this is not the case. Without the help of the liver to regulate bodily metabolism, you’ll struggle to maintain everything from bodyweight to core body temperature, resulting in a long list of adverse health impacts.
The liver doesn’t just function to prohibit toxins from entering the body. A healthy liver takes and processes vitamins and minerals. Whenever your body needs an additional hit of copper, iron, or other minerals and vitamins, the liver is responsible for releasing them. Simply put, a low-functioning liver can quickly lead to a degradation of your overall health and wellness. While you can live with only one lung, you’ll die soon if your liver quits functioning. Many illnesses can weaken liver function, too. For just one example, severe dehydration can make your liver struggle to keep up with bodily demand for vitamins and minerals.
Regular readers of our top supplement guides should already know what we’re about to say. If you’re experiencing severe liver problems, you must immediately contact a medical professional. It can be dangerous to leave a liver problem untreated, and some liver illnesses can quickly become deadly. Consult your doctor if you believe that you are suffering from a condition that harms your liver’s ability to function. Treatments for a failing liver are scarce and depend on the precise cause of the liver failure. However, a new dietary supplement class might help consumers improve their liver health and function without traditional medical remedies.
Today, we’re walking readers through our picks for the best liver supplements available in the industry in 2021. We didn’t just pick these liver supplements at random; our ranked list is the product of extensive, targeted research by our editorial team. We hope that readers can use this list to learn more about some of the best liver products on the market. We’ve also included several sections of educational information to help you become a more informed consumer before you even try your first liver supplement.
Who Should Use Liver Supplements?
There is an obvious answer to this question. First, anyone who is suffering from liver problems should consider using a liver health supplement. We’ll never claim that the supplements on our list can seriously impact the prognosis for serious medical issues related to the liver. Instead, supplements should be used to assist an existing medical treatment plan. Using supplements often comes with very few genuine side effects, so it’s generally safe to try supplementation while receiving other traditional medical treatments. But even people who don’t suffer from liver problems might want to try using liver supplements regularly, and we’re about to explain why.
That’s right! Even people who haven’t been diagnosed with a bad liver should consider integrating liver supplements into their daily diet. This is because some liver supplements are preventative instead of restorative. Supplements in this industry might help people to improve liver function and optimize the effectiveness of the liver. This is a benefit that nearly anybody can use. Think of it like this: even an excellent liver can still become more effective. And as we explained in the intro section, better liver function leads to a whole host of excellent benefits to overall health and wellness.
Do you think you’re suffering from the early stages of liver problems? We’ve got a few tips to help you identify if you might be struggling with a poor liver. Some main signs of malfunctioning liver health include the following:
- Reduced appetite
- Significant weight loss
- Gray poop or dark urine
- Serious abdomen pain
- Vomiting and nausea
Our recommendation is to consult your primary care physician if you experience any of these relatively severe symptoms. As liver illnesses progress, they manifest in some more severe symptoms. Some signs of a seriously malfunctioning liver include significant bleeding/bruising, confusion, mood shifts, yellow eyes or skin, and more. If you or a loved one notice any of these severe symptoms, you should immediately go to the emergency room. Supplementation and alternative medicine can be fantastic tools to help people improve overall health and wellness and liver function. But even supplements have their limits; don’t hesitate to seek professional help if your liver function advances to more severe stages.
Simply put, anyone who wants a better liver can try taking liver supplements. According to research and firsthand accounts, mileage can vary when it comes to most liver health formulas. Some people experience significant liver health improvement while using liver supplements, while others only note minimal to moderate effects. We appreciate the multitude of benefits associated with the most popular and reputable liver supplements. Many formulas are packed with natural ingredients that provide more than just liver improvement; some of these supplements also offer weight loss benefits, energy improvement, and a litany of additional boons for regular users.
Improve Liver Health Naturally
While supplements are certainly often all-natural solutions to our most vexing health problems, there are always limitations to what supplementation can do. The best way to improve liver health organically has always been to combine supplementation with healthy lifestyle changes. There are numerous ways to alter your daily life to improve the liver’s health, function, and effects.
According to the latest in scientific research, here are just some of the best ways that anyone can improve liver health via lifestyle change:
Consume less alcohol
Alcohol consumption is considered the leading cause of liver failure in the United States. In addition to regular liver damage, extensive lifetime alcohol use can contribute to a deadly condition called fatty liver. Using too much alcohol at one time can also contribute to steatosis, a dangerous liver disease that significantly reduces liver function and efficiency. Using alcohol in moderate amounts is okay, but severe drinking problems can quickly lead to issues with liver health. Try cutting down alcohol consumption to improve liver health.
Eat less fat
Excessive fat consumption can lead to early-onset liver damage. Even saturated fat can contribute to severe liver conditions, including NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. As with the alcoholic variation of the disease, prolonged exposure to the fatty liver can destroy the effectiveness of the liver over time.
Avoid toxins
This tip is a bit more complicated. Sometimes, we don’t know for sure what people mean when they refer to “toxins.” In this case, it’s helpful to remember that things like cleaning products, gasoline, and other dangerous substances can carry toxins. Over time, these toxic chemicals can overwhelm the liver and lead to liver issues later in life.
Lower medication reliance
We present this recommendation with a significant caveat. Don’t stop taking medications that your doctor prescribes. Physicians are well aware of the dangers of over-medication, especially where liver health is concerned. This tip mainly applies to people who overuse or abuse OTC medications. Abusing any kind of drug, including prescribed medications, can interfere with liver function and lead to liver problems over time.
Stop smoking
This is a no-brainer for several reasons. Smoking is a leading cause of death in the United States, and this isn’t just due to the increased likelihood smokers face developing lung cancer. Liver function is also impacted directly by prolonged exposure to first-hand cigarette smoke. If you use cigarettes for a long time, you almost guarantee that you’re going to damage your body in some ways. The liver is just one of several bodily functions harmed by smoking cigarettes or cigars.
Like we said, these tips only go part of the way. To truly maximize liver health, you should combine lifestyle change with the above information. Supplementation is another excellent way to prevent liver damage. Some supplements on our list serve to strengthen the liver’s functionality, while others can even repair some of the damage that you’ve done to the essential bodily organ over your life. We always recommend a multi-faceted approach to health and wellness, and liver function is no exception to this rule.
Side Effects of Liver Supplements
One common myth is that liver supplements have zero observable side effects. The truth is that, like almost all supplements, liver formulas can come with a few significant side effects. When we discuss liver supplement side effects, the critical thing to remember is that the supplement you take matters. One famous clinical case involved the side effects associated with a popular liver supplement known as Lipokinetix. This formula caused several users to develop side effects, including low energy, diminished appetite, and severe abdominal pain. After they sought medical treatment, these individuals were revealed to have suffered severe liver damage.
You don’t want to develop liver damage after taking a liver supplement. This is the exact opposite of your goal if you’re reading this guide! To avoid the worst side effects of lousy liver supplements, always carefully vet the product (and company) that you decide to do business with. The organization behind a liver supplement is almost as important as the supplement itself. Working only with reputable, respected companies can dramatically decrease your odds of receiving a bad batch of dangerous supplement pills.
However, even the best liver supplements might come with a few side effects. When taken consistently, some liver supplement pills might cause tiredness, along with a loss of appetite. These symptoms closely mirror the symptoms associated with liver damage, so it’s essential to see a physician if you experience any of these side effects. As always, side effects that cause severe physical pain or impairment are worth a quick emergency room visit. Our findings established that the vast majority of quality liver supplements come with very few side effects if they contribute to any side effects at all.
The most significant risk of taking liver supplements involves taking the wrong formulas. One study found that around 68% of liver formulas “failed testing” regarding quality. This is a considerable number. Just how many liver supplements out there are utter scams? It’s difficult to say. What we do know, however, is that supplement scams can come with severe consequences for the average consumer. In particular, having too much of one ingredient can cause liver issues and the rest of the body. For example, too much iron in a supplement can cause a variety of health and wellness problems.
A fantastic way to avoid getting scammed or facing liver supplement side effects is to work only with companies that provide a “certificate of analysis.” A certificate of analysis will tell you everything you need to know about a supplement, including all of its main ingredients and the quantities of each active ingredient. This doesn’t just inform you about whether or not the formula includes quality ingredients; a suitable certificate of analysis will also ensure that these healthy ingredients are present in the right amounts to help you feel your best and improve your overall liver health and wellness.
Liver Supplements and Science
The good news is that at least some scientific peer-reviewed research studies have concluded that specific vitamins and minerals might improve the liver’s health. These findings validate natural treatment methods that have been used for thousands of years. Milk thistle is one popular liver supplement ingredient that has been used in cultures to improve liver health for around 2,000 years or more. And it isn’t alone, either. Various popular liver formula ingredients were used in ancient alternative medicine long before establishing the contemporary supplement industry.
Let’s review just a few of the many studies that have been published about liver formulas and supplements in the last decade. One study from 2018 synthesized a handful of studies concerning milk thistle extract. The results? The researchers concluded that the use of milk thistle extracts significantly improved the liver’s health by reducing indicators of liver damage in adults. Many people swear by milk thistle as an alternative at-home treatment for liver damage, and we’re compelled to see this scientific evidence as a vindication of this widespread belief in the power of this exceptional herb.
Artichoke leaf is one more popular ingredient used in many liver health supplements. Rather than survey the herb for its benefits in addressing existing liver damage, researchers chose to question whether or not it could serve as a preventative solution for liver issues. The results were positive; the trial concluded that the antioxidant properties of artichoke leaf extract could protect the liver against various forms of damage. Additionally, the research trial found that artichoke leaf might slowly help the liver regenerate lost cells when used consistently and adequately.
A 2006 study of dandelion root extract found that the root can provide anti-oxidizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic benefits. This means that the ingredient may be effective in attacking liver damage on multiple fronts. The anti-carcinogenic properties of the extract are particularly fascinating, as they suggest that dandelion root may well help people address the beginning signs of liver damage. Carcinogens, or toxins, can very quickly lead to liver damage. Most people are exposed to toxins constantly; our cleaning supplies, gasoline, and other daily exposures force our livers to work double-time to eliminate the dangerous carcinogens we expose them to.
Turmeric is a household name among consumers in the supplement industry. Turmeric comes packed with benefits for the body, but it is most well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. A research trial conducted recently concluded that turmeric can reduce the production of ALT and AST. These two toxic chemicals can contribute to hepatic disorders, such as hepatitis A and B. This research is still pretty raw, so it’s tough to say whether or not turmeric can live up to its stellar reputation in the supplement industry. But as things stand right now, we believe that turmeric can provide a long list of potential benefits to users of liver supplements.
How We Ranked the Top Liver Supplements of 2021
We explained in the introduction that our rankings are anything but arbitrary. Our editorial staff worked hard to establish a list of qualifiers we used to create these ranked lists. One of the most critical elements of a liver supplement is its ingredient list. But factors like the manufacturer’s reputation, the advertised benefits of the supplement, and others are also important when we sit down to assess the efficiency and reputability of a given formula. Without further explanation, here are just some of the characteristics we considered when putting together our ranked list of the best liver supplements available in 2021:
Ingredient Lists
The ingredients used in a liver supplement are probably the easiest way to separate the solid formulas from the scams. A good supplement won’t just be thrown together from random ingredients. Our supplement list looked only for formulas that included quality ingredients supported by significant scientific research. While we never expect a dietary supplement to be 100% effective, the standard is that leading formulas should only use ingredients with some degree of proven efficiency at improving liver health and function.
Manufacturer Reputation
Our editors used customer testimonials and third-party reviews to evaluate the overall reputation of each manufacturer on our list. How honest and transparent is this company? Do they disclose their research studies? Do they properly cite and reference all relevant clinical trials being used to support their formulas? All of these questions provide us with a solid basis to evaluate whether or not a company has a good and well-deserved reputation.
Benefits
Both the advertised and actual benefits associated with a supplement are essential factors in our rankings. Formulas should be advertised using realistic and attainable benefits. We stayed away from supplements that made crazy claims; some scam formulas claim to help cure liver cancer or fatty liver, for example, even though very little science supports the claim that this is possible.
Value
The value of a supplement is different from its price, as we frequently discuss in our ranked supplement guides. Some supplements are cheap but highly effective, while others are exceptionally efficient but expensive. We like to see formulas that strike a good balance between affordability and effectiveness.
Top Liver Supplements of 2021
With all of this background information out of the way, let’s get to the essential part of today’s guide: our picks for the top liver supplements of 2021. We suggest following this guide with your research. After all, some of our ranking considerations may be different from what you look for when you search for a quality liver supplement.
According to our research and ranking process, here are the best liver supplements money can buy in 2021:
1MD LiverMD
While some liver supplements require you to purchase from an official product website, 1MD LiverMD is exceptionally easy to buy. Amazon and 1MD.com both sell the product, making it highly accessible to anyone who wants to give it a try. At $45 per bottle, it is moderately priced. The ingredient list for 1MD LiverMD is similar to many of the other supplements on our list: it includes ALA, NAC, Zinc, Vitamin E, and Selenium. According to studies cited by the manufacturer, ingredient amounts appear to be sufficient to provide relatively substantial benefits to liver health and function.
1MD has a pretty solid reputation as an overall supplement manufacturer as well. This company produces supplements in a variety of industries. Their LiverMD supplement is continually growing in popularity, due in equal parts to the quality of ingredients and the company’s reputation behind it.
Amy Myers MD Liver Support
Packed with 200 milligrams, Amy Myers MD Liver Supplement is one of the most efficient liver supplements on our list. All you need to do is simply swallow two of the gel capsules per day. We recommend combining this supplement with a lifestyle change, as we do with most formulas. The scientific philosophy behind this supplement has to do with something called ‘free radicals.’ According to supporters, supplements like Amy Myers MD Liver Support help get rid of dangerous free radicals, which function as toxins and ruin the ability of the liver to work correctly.
Organifi Liver Reset
As the name suggests, this supplement aims to promote liver health by “resetting” livers that have experienced damage or loss of functionality. The price of this formula is modest, costing only $28 per month supply. The ingredients offered in Organifi Liver Reset are used in other popular liver supplements, and this is due in part to their incredible scientifically backed benefits. Milk Thistle Seed Extract makes an appearance, as well as Triphala and Organic Dandelion Root.
We appreciate the transparency used by the company behind Organifi Liver Reset. They list all relevant ingredients, as well as dosages, to keep consumers as informed as possible about what they’re putting into their bodies.
Live Conscious LiverWell
This formula is primarily marketed as a dual-support supplement. It reportedly provides benefits to both the liver and the metabolism. We always appreciate seeing these two benefits listed together. The liver itself directly works to maintain a healthier metabolism in consumers, so it makes sense that a formula could benefit both the liver and the metabolic processes keeping us alive. ALA, NAC, and Milk Thistle Extract all appear in healthy numbers within this scientifically supported formula. And at a price of only $25.99 for a month-long supply, Live Conscious LiverWell remains one of the most affordable options we found.
Zenith Labs Detox
We already know the name Zenith Labs from their plethora of other supplements in the formula industry. Their liver support supplement works to improve liver health by promoting two separate phases of liver improvement. The formula works to help users improve the overall health of their livers while boosting metabolic health through a specific detoxification process. Like some of the other formulas on our list, Zenith Labs Detoxification formula works to rid the body of free radicals, supposedly mysterious toxins that hurt the body and diminish liver function.
Additional benefits of Zenith Labs Detox formula include better stamina, increased youthfulness, and more. This makes the formula relatively unique, as far as benefits go, on our list.
Advanced Bionutritionals Advanced Liver Support
Don’t let the name fool you: nothing is confusing about this dietary liver supplement. The formula uses a star-studded list of ingredients to improve liver health and wellness. These ingredients include Milk Thistle, Phosphatidylcholine, Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and more. The ingredients are available in relevant doses to promote liver improvements, according to the Advanced Bionutritionals website.
This formula is produced exclusively in the United States, although the natural ingredients used are distributed to the organization worldwide.
Gundry MD Complete Liver Support
This is the cheapest formula we could find without compromising on quality. This list includes a few affordable supplements, but Gundry MD Complete Liver Support offers solid ingredients at a price of only $20 per month-long supply. The supplement provides several benefits, including immune support, metabolic support, improved absorbable nutrients, and more. This unique set of benefits strikes our editorial staff as a revolutionary combination; we highly recommend looking for supplements that provide multiple uses simultaneously.
One unique ingredient found in this supplement is Orange Peel Extract. This is good news, too. Many studies have established that Orange Peel Extract can provide significant benefits to consumers who ingest it consistently.
ActivatedYou Morning Complete
This formula is not typically explicitly advertised to be a liver support formula. Instead, this “complete” supplement works to promote health in consumers in many ways. It contains probiotics, superfoods, prebiotics, and a long list of additional ingredients. While many of the formulas on our list are made into pills or capsules, ActivatedYou Morning Complete is a powder. It should be mixed into a morning drink to kickstart both your day and your health.
Consumers beware: this is one of the most expensive supplements on our list, clocking in at a whopping $79 per bottle. But when we consider how many different benefits are associated with the formula, this price becomes quite a bit more acceptable.
PureHealth Research Liver Health Formula
Unlike some formulas on our list, we know that one of the formula creators is a former doctor. He worked in the naturopathic tradition. While the origins and benefits of naturopathic medicine are fiercely debated within the medical community, we like that the former doctor is attached to this product to at least some degree. The claims made by this PureHealth Research Liver Health Formula are pretty significant; they argue that it can provide consumers with “unlimited energy, a trim waistline, and sharp thinking.”
We don’t believe that this formula will instantly make you skinny, smarter, and more energetic. However, the combination of ingredients in this formula, including turmeric, milk thistle, dandelion, and artichoke extract, might provide substantive benefits to savvy users.
PhytAge Labs Urgent Liver 911
If you’re a regular user of supplements, you should already know who PhytAge Labs is. This research company specializes in the production of supplements in several niche sectors. Their formulas often end with the phrase “911,” which has become one easy way to spot a product coming out of PhytAge Labs. This formula provides many benefits to the health and functionality of the liver. It claims to help detoxify the liver while also reducing existing damage over time.
Like the above two formulas, PhytAge Labs’ contribution to the industry is an expensive one. Urgent Liver 911 costs $70 per bottle. But some consumers argue that the name, reputation, and transparency associated with the manufacturer make the product well worth the cost.
VitaPost Liver Support Plus
This is another highly affordable option. People who want a cheap but effective liver formula should consider giving VitaPost Liver Support Plus a shot. Its small price tag of only $28 per bottle might mislead you; the reality is that this formula provides a specific, targeted benefit to liver support and health. Using this supplement consistently over several weeks can help to revitalize and improve the health of the liver.
Milk Thistle Extract, Artichoke Extract, Celery Seed, and many additional ingredients help improve consumers’ health who consistently use this formula.
Bonus: The Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Solution
That name is certainly a mouthful, isn’t it? Despite the long name, fatty liver is a severe disease, and this guide is no joke. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, known as NAFLD, affects hundreds of thousands of people per year. The guide claims that people can avoid NAFLD, which is not “a prison sentence” but is instead “a choice.” We disagree with the assessment that NAFLD is simply a choice, but we nevertheless were impressed with the advice and strategies outlined in this unique guide.
Following the natural lifestyle change advice included in the Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Solution can help consumers retake control of their lives by improving the function and health of the liver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Supplements
With so much conflicting information out there, it’s hard to get genuine advice about liver supplements. Nevertheless, we’ve got you covered with a few answers to the most popular, frequently asked questions about liver supplements below.
Q: Do liver supplements work?
A: Yes! Some evidence finds that using liver supplements consistently can help you improve the health and functionality of the liver, which can provide multiple benefits to health and overall wellness. Some science is more conflicted; we recommend reading the evidence for yourself to understand the precise effects of liver supplements better.
Q: What is the function of the liver?
A: The liver promotes several different bodily processes. The primary function of the liver is to help regulate physical health by eliminating toxins. The liver also helps improve health by distributing chemicals, vitamins, and minerals from the liver to the rest of the body.
Q: Are there side effects to liver supplements?
A: Liver supplements can come with side effects, but this is relatively rare. People worldwide have used liver supplements to improve their livers’ health and the rest of their bodies. Few severe side effects have been reported. However, some people report feeling tired or nauseous after using liver supplements for too long.
Q: Can liver supplements cure liver disorders?
A: For the most part, liver supplements have not been proven to cure disorders and diseases of the liver. We generally recommend that consumers consult their physician immediately if they develop severe liver infections or conditions. These supplements are mainly used to promote preventative benefits.
Top Liver Supplements of 2021 Final Thoughts
We hope you got some use out of our comprehensive guide to the best liver supplements of 2021. As always, it’s your job to follow this guide up by consulting your doctor and conducting outside research. After all, your health is essential, and you need to take advantage of all the help you can get.
Affiliate Disclosure:
The links contained in this product review may result in a small commission if you opt to purchase the product recommended at no additional cost to you. This goes towards supporting our research and editorial team and please know we only recommend high quality products.
Disclaimer:
Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have concerns following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
