Supplements to Support Liver Function: A Buyer’s Guide

The liver works constantly to process nutrients, filter harmful substances from the blood, and produce bile to help digest fats. Because it has so many important functions, looking after your liver is an important part of maintaining overall health.

For people considering supplements to support liver function, several options are available, from herbal tonics and standardised extracts to cod liver oil and homeopathic drops. In this guide, we’ll cover the main types available, what they contain, and what to consider before choosing one.

Understanding Liver Support Supplements

Liver support supplements are specialised products available in liquid, capsule, or soft gel form, containing ingredients traditionally associated with liver health. While these supplements will not reverse existing liver damage, they may be used alongside a balanced diet and other healthy habits as part of a holistic approach to supporting liver health.

Important note: These products are not intended to treat or cure a liver condition. If you have a diagnosed liver issue, speak with your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine.

Types of Liver Support Supplements

Liver supplements come in several different types, each with its own ingredients and intended benefits.

Standardised herbal extracts: These contain concentrated extracts of specific herbs, most commonly milk thistle. The SFI Health Flordis Legalon is one such option, delivered in capsule form for those who prefer a more consistent dose without taking a liquid tonic.

Herbal tonics and liquid formulas: These are usually made with one or more herbs, such as milk thistle, dandelion, wormwood and yellow dock. A good example is the Harker Herbals Liver Tonic, a vegan-friendly liquid formula containing a blend of plant-based ingredients, including aniseed, clove bud, liquorice, and rhubarb root. It is taken in small doses several times a day and may appeal to people who prefer a liquid herbal formula over capsules.

Omega-3-rich cod liver oil: These contain naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D. The Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil Soft Gels is one example, providing 750mg of total omega-3 fatty acids per serving in a convenient lemon-flavoured soft gel made from wild Arctic cod. The Nordic Naturals Arctic-D Cod Liver Oil (237ml) is another option, providing 1060mg of omega-3 fatty acids in total per teaspoon, along with vitamins A and D in a lemon-flavoured liquid.

Homeopathic liver drops: These are oral liquid homeopathic drops made with a combination of herbal ingredients, including greater celandine, dandelion, nettle, and milk thistle. One such product is the Weleda Chelidonium Comp, available in liquid form and taken as drops three times daily.

Pet-specific liver support: These are liver supplements made specifically for pets. One example is the Nordic Naturals Pet Cod Liver Oil (237ml), which contains 100% wild Arctic cod liver oil and is designed for medium- to large-breed dogs. It can be added to food or given on its own.

How These Supplements Support Liver Function and Why People Take Them 

Liver support supplements come in different forms, with a range of ingredients used for different purposes. Herbal tonics and extracts, such as milk thistle and traditional botanical blends, contain plant compounds that may have antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants can help counter oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals. When free radicals build up in the body, they can contribute to damage to liver cells. Milk thistle contains silymarin, which has antioxidant properties and potential hepatoprotective effects. These properties may help support the liver by reducing the effects of oxidative stress.

Omega-3-rich oils, such as cod liver oil, provide fatty acids that perform various roles in the body and are involved in lipid metabolism. Homeopathic drops, by contrast, are made by diluting ingredients such as celandine, dandelion, nettle, and milk thistle according to homeopathic principles, and may contain little of the original ingredients.

People turn to liver supplements for a range of reasons. Some are looking to support normal liver function as part of a healthy lifestyle. Others may take them as part of a shift to a healthier diet.

Whatever the reason, it helps to have realistic expectations about what liver supplements can do. They are best used alongside healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.

How To Choose the Right Option for You

There are several types of liver support supplements available. Before choosing one, ask yourself the following questions:

• Format preference: Do you prefer capsules or a liquid tonic?
• Product type: Are you looking for a herbal supplement, an omega-3 product, or a homeopathic option?
• Dose frequency: Do you prefer something you can take once a day, or are you comfortable taking it more often?
• Ingredients: Would you rather choose a product with a few specific ingredients or a blend of several ingredients?
• Dietary needs: Do you need to avoid any particular ingredients because of allergies or dietary preferences?
• Serving size: Do you prefer a smaller serving, or are you comfortable taking several capsules or a larger amount of liquid?

Answering these questions can help you narrow down the available options and find a liver supplement that suits your preferences and routine. 

Please note: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescribed medication, or have a medical condition, speak to a healthcare professional before using a liver supplement. Some products have specific warnings, so it is worth checking the product label and following the directions provided. 

Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Takeaway

If you are seeking supplements to support liver function, a wide range of options are available, from traditional herbal tonics and standardised extracts to omega-3-rich oils and homeopathic drops. The right choice will depend on your health needs, how you prefer to take the supplement, and the type of support you are looking for. 

If you’re ready to explore your options, browse our full range of liver supplements at NZ Health Store today.