Milk Thistle 1000 mg
Nature's Bounty
Milk Thistle 1000 mg
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(10912 ratings)
Milk Thistle 250 mg
Score 55.0
An affordable and popular Milk Thistle product lacking standardization for silymarin, making its actual potency for liver detoxification uncertain despite a moderate extract dose.
Quantity: 50 Softgel(s)Servings size: 1 Softgel(s) (50 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Detoxification
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 55.0
An affordable and popular Milk Thistle product lacking standardization for silymarin, making its actual potency for liver detoxification uncertain despite a moderate extract dose.
insights Analysis
Nature's Bounty Milk Thistle 1000 mg is an entry-level supplement from a widely recognized brand. The product title indicates 1000 mg, which typically refers to an herb equivalent, with the actual ingredient listing 250 mg of Milk Thistle extract. A significant drawback is the absence of standardization for silymarin, the primary active compound responsible for Milk Thistle's liver-protective benefits. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to gauge its true efficacy compared to alternatives that clearly state the silymarin content. Despite a high review count, its effectiveness for targeted liver support and detoxification is uncertain without this crucial detail.
- Very affordable price per serving.
- High brand recognition and strong popularity with many reviews.
- Lack of silymarin standardization, making actual potency unclear.
- Confusing dosage information with '1000mg' in title versus '250mg extract' in ingredients.
$9.50($0.19 per serving)
 Amazon | $ 9.50 | |
 iHerb | $ 11.91 | |
 Vitacost | $ 11.99 | |
 Walmart | $ 14.76 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Milk Thistle, primarily through its active compound silymarin, is widely studied for its potential to support liver health. Research suggests it may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to liver cells. However, more comprehensive studies are ongoing to fully understand its extent of effectiveness.
Historically, Milk Thistle has been used in relation to alcoholic liver disease, and some studies suggest it may help shield liver cells from alcohol-related harm. While it shows potential, it is not considered a cure or a replacement for conventional medical treatment and abstinence. Its role is primarily supportive.
Milk Thistle is often associated with supporting the liver's natural detoxification processes due to its antioxidant properties. It may help protect liver cells from damage by harmful substances. However, the human body has its own efficient detoxification systems, and the term 'detoxification' can be broadly interpreted.
The general scientific consensus is that Milk Thistle shows promise as a supportive supplement for liver health, backed by traditional use and some research. While it's not a proven cure for severe liver diseases, it's considered a potentially beneficial agent for liver protection. More large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed to fully confirm its efficacy for various conditions.
Some preliminary studies indicate Milk Thistle may offer benefits for individuals with NAFLD, potentially by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. Despite promising early findings, the current scientific evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a primary treatment. Consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Typical daily dosages of Milk Thistle extract often range from 200 mg to 400 mg, standardized to 70-80% silymarin. Some research has explored higher doses for specific contexts. For general use, dosages usually fall within the 200-400 mg range, often divided into multiple smaller doses throughout the day.
Milk Thistle is generally recommended to be taken with food. This can help improve the absorption of its active compounds, particularly silymarin. Taking it with food may also help reduce the likelihood of minor digestive upset.
Many formulations of Milk Thistle recommend taking it two to three times per day. Dividing the daily dose helps maintain consistent levels of its active compounds in the body. Always refer to the specific product label for detailed instructions.
Milk Thistle is commonly available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. It can also be found in tea bags or powder form. Capsules and tablets are the most prevalent, often standardized for their silymarin content.
Standardization means the extract is processed to contain a specific, guaranteed percentage of the active compound, silymarin. This process helps ensure consistency in potency between different batches and brands of the supplement. A common standardization level is 70-80% silymarin.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, milk thistle can interact with certain prescription medications, particularly those metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. This could potentially alter how the body processes drugs, affecting their effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before combining milk thistle with any medications.
Milk thistle is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion. Allergic reactions are also possible, especially in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. If severe or persistent side effects occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Some research suggests that milk thistle might have mild antiplatelet effects, which theoretically could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. However, the evidence for this interaction is limited and conflicting. Individuals on blood thinners should discuss milk thistle use with their healthcare provider.
Milk thistle may have a mild blood sugar-lowering effect, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Those managing diabetes or taking medications to control blood sugar should monitor their glucose levels closely if using milk thistle. Discussing this with a healthcare provider is advised to prevent potential hypoglycemia.
Due to insufficient scientific data on its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, milk thistle is generally not recommended for these populations. There is limited information regarding its potential effects on the fetus or infant. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before using any supplements during these periods.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Milk Thistle extract | 250 mg |
Categories
Milk Thistle 55.0
While it contains Milk Thistle extract, the absence of silymarin standardization places it below benchmark products that confirm the presence and concentration of the key active compound for liver efficacy. It serves as a basic, rather than optimized, Milk Thistle product.
Goals
Detoxification 50.0
Milk Thistle is a recognized liver support herb, crucial for detoxification. However, without explicit silymarin standardization, the effectiveness of the 250mg extract for comprehensive liver detoxification remains ambiguous compared to products that guarantee the active compound.
Skin Health 45.0
Benefits for skin health are secondary to liver detoxification. The uncertainty in the Milk Thistle's potency, due to the lack of silymarin standardization, directly translates to speculative indirect skin benefits.
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