Best Brand of Milk Thistle for Liver

Recommendation

Are you looking for the best brand of Milk Thistle for Liver support? 

I’ve been using Milk Thistle for a few years now and it has worked very well in improving my liver function. There is a significant difference between before and after liver tests.

So if you have raised liver enzymes, I would highly recommend you speak to your doctor and start taking a milk thistle supplement at your earliest.

For me, I have two products that I buy and I believe they are the best milk thistle brands on the market as they have always worked for me.

The first one is Puritan’s Milk Thistle and Dandelion Extract. This is a great product and I would highly recommend it.

The other product I use is Nature’s Bounty Milk Thistle.

Now, this is a great product too and it has also helped keep my liver enzymes down. But it has soy, and some studies have linked soy to reduced testosterone levels in men.

Hence, I try to keep away from it when I can. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with the product and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a high-quality milk thistle supplement.

What to look for when buying milk thistle

The brands I’ve mentioned above are ones I’ve used and I’ve found them quite effective. But you don’t necessarily have to choose those as well.

There are a lot of other good brands you can choose from. But here are some things you should definitely check before buying milk thistle to make sure you get the right thing:

  1. Make sure it’s from a trusted brand
  2. It should not include any harmful chemicals
  3. Read online reviews to know other peoples feedback
  4. Make sure the ingredients do not contain something you are allergic to

Frequently Asked Questions about Milk Thistle

Does milk thistle really help the liver?

Studies have shown that milk thistle helps reduce liver inflammation. Personally, I’ve noticed a reduction in liver enzymes after using milk thistle. So I am confident that it does help the liver.

What’s the best time to take milk thistle?

Most people prefer taking milk thistle before a meal or on an empty stomach. I take it before going to bed every night. And it has been quite effective.

Can you take milk thistle every day?

Yes, milk thistle can be taken every day and it SHOULD be taken every day. Do make sure you don’t go over the recommended dose.

Is milk thistle an antioxidant?

Silymarin, the active ingredient in Milk Thistle is a potent antioxidant. It effectively scavenges free radicals from the cells and prevents the damage caused by oxidation.

Is milk thistle an iron chelator?

Yes, multiple studies have shown that milk thistle is a potent iron chelator and helps reduce ferritin levels. This can be especially beneficial for patients with Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia or Hemochromatosis.

How long does it take for milk thistle to lower liver enzymes?

At the right dose, it takes at least 2 to 3 weeks for milk thistle to start lowering liver enzymes. 

I would recommend getting a Liver Function Test done before starting the milk thistle supplement and checking again after a month or so to see the difference.

Is 1000 mg of milk thistle too much?

Milk Thistle dosage of up to 1200 mg/day has not shown toxic effects as per this research. However, dosage should be decided in consultation with your doctor.

I take Nature’s Bounty Milk Thistle which is 1000 mg concentrated extracted from 250 mg seed. I have not had any problems with this to date and my liver enzymes are down to normal ranges.