nutrition
Organ and Liver Supplements: Benefits, Nutrition, Types and How to Choose One
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If you already eat plenty of protein-rich foods, you may wonder whether adding a liver supplement or organ supplement to your routine is really necessary. While muscle meats supply important nutrients, organ meats provide a distinct nutritional profile that contains many vitamins, minerals and compounds in concentrated amounts. That's one reason organ and liver supplements have become increasingly popular and are often described as "nature's multivitamins."
A high-quality organ liver supplement is typically made from carefully prepared animal organs that can often contain nutrients such as vitamin B12, heme iron, folate and the active form of vitamin A, along with amino acids and other beneficial compounds. These nutrients can help support normal cellular energy production, healthy blood, liver health and overall wellness as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Whether you're considering liver supplements, organ supplements or a comprehensive organ and liver supplement, understanding what these products contain and how they're intended to complement a nutrient-dense diet can help you make an informed decision.
(Note: As with any dietary supplement, consult your healthcare professional before beginning a new supplement routine.)
What are organ and liver supplements?
An organ supplement contains dried animal organs and glandular tissues. Depending on the formula, ingredients may include liver, heart, kidneys, aorta and other organs sourced from animals such as cattle or sheep.
Glandular tissues are organs and glands that produce substances involved in normal body processes. These tissues have been included in traditional diets for generations and are now commonly available in convenient capsule or tablet form.
Liver supplements vs. liver support supplements
Although these names are sometimes used interchangeably, there is an important distinction.
A liver supplement made from animal liver contains dehydrated liver tissue itself, most commonly from beef or sheep. These products provide the nutrients found within liver.
By comparison, many products marketed for "liver support" contain herbs, vitamins or minerals intended to complement normal liver function but do not actually include liver as an ingredient.
Are organ meats healthy?
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have valued organ meats for their exceptional nutrient density. Traditional dietary practices often prioritized consuming the entire animal, including nutrient-rich organs, to obtain a broad spectrum of nutrients. This differs considerably from many modern eating patterns today.
Organ meats contain a combination of both fat-soluble and water-soluble nutrients, protein, choline, enzymes and trace minerals. Depending on the specific organ, they may provide:
- Copper
- Vitamin A
- Heme iron
- Zinc
- Vitamins B12, B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B1 (thiamine) and B9 (folate)
- Selenium
- Enzymes involved in metabolic processes and digestion
- Arachidonic acid
- Choline
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Polypeptides that contribute to tissue formation
Liver is one of the most nutrient-dense organs
Among commonly consumed organ meats, liver is especially valued because of its protein content and amino acid profile. Beef liver, sometimes referred to as bovine liver, functions as a nutrient storage organ within the animal. Because it stores vitamins and minerals, consuming beef liver provides those nutrients as part of the diet.
Sheep (ovine) liver serves a similar biological purpose and is another commonly used ingredient in organ liver supplements.
Other organs frequently included in organ and liver supplements include heart and kidneys, which contain nutrients such as selenium, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Additional glandular tissues may also be incorporated depending on the formulation.
Benefits of organ supplements
Historically, people consumed far more than traditional cuts of meat. Organ meats and glandular tissues were commonly eaten because they provided a concentrated source of nutrients that supported overall dietary intake.
Today's eating habits often include far fewer organ meats than those consumed by earlier generations.
Because they often can supply a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other compounds, organ and liver supplements can contribute to whole-body nutritional support.
Here is more on the benefits of these type of supplements:
1. Provides essential nutrients
One of the primary reasons people choose an organ liver supplement is its provision of essential nutrients. Organ meats, especially liver, provide vitamin B12, heme iron, vitamin A, folate and several other B vitamins that play important roles throughout the body.
For people who may not regularly consume organ meats, an organ supplement can offer a convenient way to incorporate these nutrients into the diet. This may be particularly relevant because some individuals do not consume enough iron, while those who eat few or no animal foods may also have lower intakes of vitamin B12 and preformed (active) vitamin A.
2. Helps support cellular energy and physical performance
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient involved in normal cellular energy production. Consuming enough vitamin B12 helps support cognitive health, concentration and physical performance.
Since liver is high in vitamin B12, many people choose liver supplements as one way to help support their daily nutrient intake alongside a balanced eating pattern.
3. Supports liver and heart health
Iron — particularly heme iron, the form found in animal foods — helps support liver health and healthy blood. Meeting your body's iron needs also supports healthy energy levels, muscle function, endurance and concentration.
These nutrients are one reason many people include organ and liver supplements as part of a nutrient-focused wellness routine.
4. Supports normal immune system function
Several nutrients present in organ meats contribute to healthy immune system function, particularly zinc and selenium, which are found in organs such as liver, kidneys and heart. Vitamin A also contributes by supporting a healthy response to oxidative stress.
Because these nutrients are in many organ supplements, they can help complement an overall healthy dietary pattern.
5. Supports hormonal and sexual health
Nutrients found in organ meats, including selenium and zinc, can generally support men's sexual health, prostate health and healthy testosterone levels.
These nutrients are commonly included in comprehensive organ liver supplements that combine several different organs (such as Ancient Nutrition’s Male Performance Glandulars and Women’s Vitality Glandulars).
6. Traditional belief: "Like supports like"
Many traditional wellness systems have long embraced the concept that consuming a particular organ may support the corresponding organ in the human body. This philosophy is often summarized as "like supports like."
For example, traditional practices have associated eating liver with supporting the liver, while consuming kidneys or heart has historically been connected with those respective organs. In fact, there is some evidence suggesting animal tissues may supply nutrients and compounds that correspond to those same tissues in the body, providing "building blocks" for those organs.
Organ and liver supplement options
Not all organ and liver supplements are formulated the same way. Depending on the product, an organ supplement may contain only liver or may combine several organs and glandular tissues to provide a broader range of naturally occurring nutrients.
Common options include:
Liver-only supplements
A liver supplement made exclusively from beef or sheep liver provides the vitamins, minerals and amino acids found in liver tissue. Because liver serves as the body's nutrient storage organ, it provides vitamin B12, iron and other micronutrients.
Multi-organ supplements
Some organ liver supplements combine liver with additional organs such as heart and kidneys. These formulas are designed to provide the broader nutritional profile found across multiple organs, including nutrients such as B vitamins, choline and other compounds.
Ingredient quality considerations
When choosing liver supplements or organ supplements, ingredient sourcing and manufacturing quality are important factors. Select products made from high-quality animal sources that have been tested for quality and purity.
Depending on the product, consumers may also wish to look for attributes such as:
- Grass-fed or pasture-raised sourcing
- Minimal ingredient lists
- Freeze-dried processing
- Third-party quality testing
- Products made without unnecessary fillers or artificial ingredients
These considerations can help you compare different organ and liver supplement options based on your personal preferences and nutritional goals. (Ancient Nutrition’s Grass-Fed Liver and Organs Blend are good options.)
How to use
When choosing an organ supplement, selecting a product made from high-quality ingredients is an important consideration. Choose products that have been tested for quality and purity, and consult your healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, particularly if you take prescription medications.
How often should you take an organ or liver supplement?
Most healthy adults can take the recommended serving daily with water or another beverage. Depending on the specific product, liver supplements and organ and liver supplements may be taken with a meal or on an empty stomach.
As with any dietary supplement, always read and follow the manufacturer's label directions, and speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about whether a supplement is appropriate for your individual needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a liver supplement?
A liver supplement typically contains dehydrated animal liver (most commonly beef or sheep liver) that provides vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients found in liver tissue. This differs from herbal "liver support" supplements, which generally do not contain liver itself.
What is an organ supplement?
An organ supplement is made from one or more animal organs or glandular tissues. Depending on the formulation, it may include liver, heart, kidneys and other organs that contain a broad range of nutrients.
Why is liver considered nutrient-dense?
Liver serves as a storage organ for vitamins and minerals within the animal. Because of this role, it contains nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron, making it one of the most nutrient-dense organ meats.
What nutrients are commonly found in organ and liver supplements?
Depending on the organs included, organ and liver supplements may provide vitamin B12, heme iron, choline, amino acids, enzymes and other nutrients.
Can organ supplements help support energy?
Organ meats provide vitamin B12, which is essential for normal cellular energy production and supports cognitive health, concentration and physical performance as part of a healthy diet.
What should you look for when choosing an organ or liver supplement?
Look for products made from high-quality animal sources that have been tested for quality and purity. You may also wish to consider sourcing, ingredient transparency and manufacturing standards when comparing products.
Can you take liver supplements every day?
Most adults can take the recommended serving daily. Always follow the product label, and consult your healthcare professional before beginning any new dietary supplement.
Conclusion
- Organ meats have been valued for centuries because they provide an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients. Today, organ and liver supplements offer a convenient way to incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into a modern lifestyle.
- Whether you choose a liver supplement made exclusively from liver or an organ liver supplement that combines multiple organs, these products are intended to complement, not replace, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Their vitamin B12, heme iron, and other nutrients can help support healthy blood, normal cellular energy production, healthy immune system function, cognitive health and overall wellness as part of a healthy lifestyle.
- As always, choose products from reputable manufacturers, follow the recommended directions for use and consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
