Supplements for liver health
NAC, milk thistle, choline — what supports a healthy liver vs what stresses it.
NAC is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity and has small trial evidence for non-alcoholic fatty liver. Milk thistle (silymarin) has long traditional use, modest modern evidence, and may interact with chemotherapy. Choline supports liver phospholipid synthesis. Avoid: high-dose green tea extract (can cause hepatotoxicity), kava (FDA warning), comfrey/coltsfoot (pyrrolizidine alkaloids → veno-occlusive disease), high-dose niacin without medical supervision, and 'liver detox' blends — none have evidence and many contain hepatotoxic herbs.
76
Nicotinic acid (Niacin, flush form)
75
Algal DHA (vegan omega-3)
74
Citrulline (L-citrulline, pure form)
74
Niacinamide (nicotinamide)
73
Vitamin A (retinol, low-dose)
73
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone)
72
MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides)
70
Choline bitartrate
70
Olive polyphenol complex (EVOO)
69
Lactobacillus crispatus
69
Caprylic acid C8 (targeted MCT)
68
Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
68
Artichoke extract (Cynara scolymus)
68
Betaine TMG (trimethylglycine)
68
Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P)
67
Dihydromyricetin (DHM)
67
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
66
Choline
66
Phosphatidylcholine
66
L-Cysteine
65
Butyrate (calcium/magnesium)
65
Butyrate tributyrin (odourless)
65
Tributyrin (gut barrier, targeted)
64
Milk thistle (Silymarin)
64
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Educational reference, not medical advice. Discuss any supplement change with a qualified clinician before acting on this list.