Milk Thistle 500 mg
Mason Natural
Milk Thistle 500 mg
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1073 ratings)
Milk Thistle 500 mg
Score 35.0
An extremely affordable Milk Thistle product that lacks critical standardization for silymarin, making its actual potency and efficacy for liver support highly questionable.
Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Capsule(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Detoxification
Skin Health
leaderboard Score 35.0
An extremely affordable Milk Thistle product that lacks critical standardization for silymarin, making its actual potency and efficacy for liver support highly questionable.
insights Analysis
Mason Natural Milk Thistle 500 mg is presented as a very economical option for Milk Thistle supplementation. The product lists 500mg of 'Milk Thistle,' but critically omits details on whether this is an extract, and more importantly, provides no standardization for silymarin content. This lack of essential information on the active compound makes it exceedingly difficult to reliably assess its actual potency and effectiveness for liver support. Despite the seemingly high numerical dose, without silymarin standardization, its impact for targeted liver health and detoxification remains uncertain.
- Extremely low price per serving, making it very accessible.
- No indication of extract type or silymarin standardization, providing no assurance of potency.
- Generic 'Milk Thistle' ingredient provides no verifiable measure of active compounds.
- Likely less effective for targeted liver support compared to standardized products.
$6.39($0.10 per serving)
 Vitacost | $ 6.39 | |
 iHerb | $ 6.60 | |
 Amazon | $ 8.79 |
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 | 500 mg |
Categories
Milk Thistle 30.0
It contains Milk Thistle, but without standardization for silymarin or clear extract information, it is a very generic representation within the collection. Other affordable alternatives offer more transparency or guaranteed active compounds.
Goals
Detoxification 30.0
While containing 'Milk Thistle,' the absence of information on whether it's an extract or standardized for silymarin means its efficacy for liver detoxification cannot be reliably assessed. It's likely to provide only general, unquantified support, if any significant effect.
Skin Health 25.0
Any benefits for skin health would be indirect and entirely dependent on effective liver detoxification. Given the uncertainty in the product's potency for liver support, its impact on skin health is highly speculative and likely minimal.