Contents
The liver is one of the most important organs of the human body. Liver cells constantly filter the blood, cleansing it of waste hormonal and medicinal substances, poisons and toxins, bacteria and viruses, excess fats and carbohydrates. In addition, the liver is responsible for the synthesis of enzymes and metabolism.1. That is why it is very important to take care of the health of the liver, and special vitamin complexes will help in this.
Rating of the top 10 inexpensive and effective vitamins for the liver according to KP
Together with an expert, we compiled a rating of inexpensive and effective vitamins for the liver and discussed who, when and how to take them correctly.
1. Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant that prevents the destruction of liver cells by free radicals. Vitamin C normalizes cholesterol metabolism, thereby reducing the likelihood of fatty degeneration of the liver. Ascorbic acid increases the bioavailability of vitamins A and E, so they are better absorbed.
Противопоказания: individual intolerance, pregnancy and lactation, arterial hypertension, kidney disease. Also, taking vitamin C is not recommended if you are prone to intestinal disorders.
2. Folic acid (Vitamin B9)
The main storage of vitamin B9 is the liver. The body uses reserves of folic acid for hematopoiesis, prevention of hypovitaminosis, maintaining reproductive function in women and men and reducing the risk of cancer.
Folic acid has a beneficial effect on fat metabolism in the liver, the exchange of cholesterol and some vitamins. Also, vitamin B9 is involved in the production of “happiness hormones” – serotonin and norepinephrine.
Противопоказания: individual intolerance, age up to 18 years.
3. Thiamine (V1)
Vitamin B1 is important for the synthesis of enzymes and normal carbohydrate metabolism. Thiamine slows down the aging process, reduces the level of bad cholesterol, takes part in fat metabolism, stimulates the work of hepatocytes, improves blood circulation through the vessels, and also has an anti-inflammatory effect.2. The drug is often prescribed for hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.
Противопоказания: individual intolerance to the components of the product.
4. NOW Vitamin B2 capsules
The drug stimulates the production and accumulation of glycogen, which is an energy reserve for the body. Vitamin B2 enhances the production of bile, participates in the processes of digestion, restores the liver in case of cell damage. In addition, riboflavin (B2) reduces the harmful effects of toxins on the respiratory system, improves oxygen absorption, increases the lifespan of body cells, is involved in the synthesis of hormones, enzymes and supports the functions of the visual system.
Противопоказания: there are no specific contraindications for vitamin B2, however, it is necessary to consult a doctor during pregnancy and lactation, if you are taking other medications or have health problems.
5. Pyridoxine (B6)
Pyridoxine prevents or reduces toxic manifestations, including liver damage, so its use is recommended for people with acute and chronic hepatitis.
Taking vitamin B6 helps to preserve glycogen and nucleic acids in the liver and muscles, contributes to less accumulation of fat and “bad” cholesterol, and stimulates the gallbladder.
Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
6. Ankermann (V12)
Vitamin B12 has a high biological activity and is involved in carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. The drug increases tissue regeneration, normalizes hematopoiesis, improves liver function. In addition, B12 is deposited in the liver, excreted in bile and reabsorbed to participate in the restoration of damaged peripheral nerves, traumatic bone injury, acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and radiation sickness.
Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pregnancy, lactation, age up to 14 years, inflammation and degeneration of the optic nerve.
7. Choline (B4)
Choline helps the liver to cleanse the body of toxins, regulates lipid metabolism and reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol, from which atherosclerotic plaques are formed. Vitamin B4 also reduces the risk of gallstones and prevents the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The drug accelerates the recovery of liver cells after damage by alcohol, viruses, drugs.
Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pregnancy, lactation.
8. Nicotinic acid (PP)
Nicotinic acid increases the protective function of liver cells, and also plays an important role in energy metabolism. Nicotinic acid is prescribed for spasm of the vessels of the extremities, bile and urinary tract, with complications of diabetes mellitus and liver diseases, including acute and chronic hepatitis.
Противопоказания: increased individual sensitivity to the drug, pregnancy and lactation, peptic ulcer of the stomach and 12 duodenal ulcer (in the acute stage), severe liver dysfunction, gout, severe forms of hypertension and atherosclerosis, children’s age (up to 3 years).
9. Tocopherol (E)
The natural antioxidant tocopherol increases the immune response and maintains the stable functioning and integrity of liver cells, prevents the formation of free radicals that are dangerous for the body. With a lack of vitamin E, the processing of fats and the normal functioning of the liver are disturbed. The drug is prescribed as part of complex therapy during the treatment of chronic hepatitis and during the recovery period after serious illnesses, injuries, operations.
Противопоказания: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, acute myocardial infarction, childhood.
10. Alpha Lipoic Acid (Vitamin N)
Vitamin N stimulates the liver and increases its protective function3. Alpha-lipoic acid improves cholesterol metabolism, improves the overall and functional state of the liver, therefore it is often prescribed for inflammatory processes. The detoxification effect of vitamin N is also known – its effectiveness has been proven in case of poisoning with salts of heavy metals and other types of poisoning.
Противопоказания: individual intolerance to the components.
How to choose vitamins for the liver
The liver is particularly susceptible to the load of viruses, toxins, drugs, and therefore needs protection. Recently, metabolic disorders of the liver against the background of obesity and diabetes are more and more common. At the same time, liver diseases can often not manifest themselves for a long time and be detected when the pathological process has gone far.4.
When prescribing vitamins for the liver, the therapist takes into account:
- results of general and biochemical blood tests;
- the result of an ultrasound examination of the liver;
- age of the patient;
- concomitant and past illnesses;
- already prescribed drug therapy;
- prone to allergic reactions.
Reviews of doctors about vitamins for the liver
Many experts note that vitamin C is necessary for the normal functioning of the liver, which maintains the homeostasis of liver cells and accelerates liver recovery, improves metabolic processes. Vitamin E is often used in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, protecting liver cells from damage by free radicals. With a membrane-protective effect, vitamin E maintains the integrity of liver cells.
Good reviews for preparations containing B vitamins, which protect the liver from the harmful effects of toxins, help restore liver cells and improve the production and flow of bile.
Popular questions and answers
Answers to popular questions regarding the use of vitamins for the liver neurologist Anna Danshina.
What vitamins are bad for the liver?
• Overdose of vitamin E may inhibit the process of hematopoiesis, and as a result, bleeding may occur;
• excess vitamin A is deposited in the liver cells and causes fibrosis, hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver;
• the severity of liver damage as a result of combined hypervitaminosis A and E varies from mild hepatitis to acute liver failure requiring organ transplantation;
• long-term use of nicotinic acid in high doses may develop fatty infiltration of the liver.
Thus, hypervitaminosis can lead to a condition no less severe than a lack of vitamins.
How do vitamins affect the liver?
Preventive courses are preferably carried out twice a year. This will help maintain the full functioning of the liver and gallbladder.
What vitamins can not be taken at the same time?
• vitamin B1 cannot be combined with B12, as an allergic reaction may develop;
• vitamin A cannot be combined with vitamin D, as they neutralize each other’s action;
• vitamins E and D must be taken separately, as absorption is sharply reduced;
• vitamin B1 is destroyed under the influence of B2;
• vitamins E and C can reduce the absorption of vitamin A.
Sources of:
- Functions and tasks of the liver. Anatomy of the liver in terms of physiology. Iskander Milevsky. MedUniver.com https://meduniver.com/Medical/Physiology/1200.html
- Vitamins in dermatology. Lyshkanets S.N. National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, 2020. https://gnicpm.ru/articles/paczientam-articles/vitaminy-v-dermatologii-obzornaya-statya.html
- Pharmacological effects of alpha-lipoic acid. Molchanova O.V., Kochkarov V.I., Pokrovsky M.V., Pokrovskaya T.G., Korokin M.V., Gudyrev O.S. Scientific statements. Series Medicine. Pharmacy, 2012. No. 22 (141). https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/farmakologicheskie-effekty-alfa-lipoevoy-tioktovoy-kisloty
- Endocrinology. Metabolic syndrome: background. Volkov V.P. Medicine and pharmacology, 2017. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/metabolicheskiy-sindrom-istoriya-voprosa/viewer