LiverMD Reviews 2024: Is 1MD Liver Supplement Effective?

About The Brand

LiverMD is a liver support supplement produced by 1MD Nutrition, a company making a range of supplements to support heart, joint, digestive, and immune health. All 1MD supplements are designed by board-certified doctors and backed up with clinical evidence.

LiverMD is one of 1MD Nutrition’s best-selling products. But at up to $49.99 per month (as a one-off purchase), is LiverMD worth the cost? This article covers how LiverMD works to support liver function and the clinical evidence behind the ingredients, plus we look at Liver MD reviews from real customers. 

LiverMD contains highly bioavailable forms of two clinically-proven ingredients for improving liver function: Siliphos®, a superior milk thistle complex, and TocoGaia™, a full-spectrum vitamin E extract.

However, remember that a supplement isn’t a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle. LiverMD should be used alongside a healthy diet to improve fatty liver disease. 

Feature Product & Coupon

Does LiverMD Really Work?

On their website, 1MD Nutrition claims that their LiverMD supplement helps “maintain healthy liver function, increasing energy levels and focus while promoting healthy metabolism and overall health.”

Indeed, research suggests that the ingredients in LiverMD can help with nonalcoholic fatty liver and other chronic liver diseases. What’s more, many LiverMD customers claim that their liver enzyme function tests returned to a normal range – some within weeks of taking the supplement.

But is it all good news? Read on to learn about the most common Liver MD reviews and complaints.

Pros

• 2020 NEXTY Award Finalist for “Best Condition-Specific Supplement.”
• 90-Day money-back guarantee. 
• Made in the USA.
• Made in a Good Manufacturing Practice facility.
• Non-GMO ingredients.
• Free from peanuts, dairy, wheat, and shellfish.

Cons

• Uses proprietary ingredients.
• Expensive to take on an ongoing basis.

LiverMD Ingredients

TocoGaia

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient essential for health. However, studies show that people with the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease tend to have a lower dietary intake^[1] of this important vitamin. LiverMD uses a “full-spectrum” vitamin E extract called TocoGaia, produced by PhytoGaia. 

There are eight forms of vitamin E but that used in dietary supplements tends to be the most common, alpha-tocopherol. However, studies suggest that alpha-tocopherol is not readily bioavailable,^[2] meaning it can’t live up to its antioxidant potential.  

That’s where TocoGaia comes in. It isn’t just alpha-tocopherol — it’s a complex with all forms including “tocotrienols,” which might be more bioavailable^[3] and have a higher antioxidant capacity.^[4]

Studies show that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients treated with 200 milligrams of tocotrienols^[5] vs placebo had significantly higher rates of remission. Similarly, 100 milligrams of tocotrienols taken for three months can reduce “liver stiffness,”^[6] a measure of liver fibrosis^[7] often seen in those with liver disease. 

Supplementing 800 IU of α-tocopherol daily,^[1] or about 500 milligrams, is recommended as one of the most important liver support strategies. However, LiverMD only provides 15 milligrams of tocotrienols and 3.5 milligrams of alpha-tocopherol per daily dose, which might not be enough to provide the above benefits.

Siliphos

You’ve probably heard that milk thistle, Silybum marianum, can cure a hangover by improving liver detoxification. But does it actually work?

Milk thistle extract, also known as silymarin, contains a potent antioxidant called silybin. Since the 1970s, we’ve known silybin can maintain healthy liver function^[8] via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects.^[9]

However, like most flavonoids, silymarin and silybin aren’t easily absorbed, which limits their benefits on liver health. That’s why LiverMD encapsulates silybin with phospholipids^[10] to make “Siliphos,” a highly bioavailable fat-soluble complex. Clinical research confirms that supplementing Siliphos leads to significantly higher plasma levels of silybin^[11] compared to traditional silymarin tablets containing generic milk thistle extract.

But what about Silipohos’ impact on liver health? As silybin also has anti-cancer properties,^[12] Siliphos has been given to advanced liver cancer patients^[13] who had no other treatment options. However, all the patients died within a couple of months of the start of the trial, so silybin is probably not effective that late in the game. Nevertheless, we can’t rule out the possibility that Silipohos made the patients’ condition worse.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid, or ALA, is a naturally-occurring antioxidant that might indirectly improve liver health by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation as well as aiding weight loss.

Animal studies suggest ALA can protect the liver from diabetes-induced liver damage^[14] by increasing protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzymes. Cell-based studies suggest that ALA can increase glutathione levels^[15] — the body’s most potent natural antioxidant^[16] — and reduce levels of reactive oxygen species, hence protecting the liver from damage.

However, human clinical trials found that taking 1,200 milligrams of ALA for 12 weeks didn’t improve liver health^[17] or liver enzymes relative to a placebo in those with fatty liver disease. Nevertheless, inflammatory IL-6 levels^[18] were reduced in obese patients. 

So, ALA’s most important contribution to liver health might be weight loss. Studies show ALA can improve insulin sensitivity^[17] and optimize leptin levels, our satiety hormone, to promote weight loss.^[19] In those who are overweight, losing weight remains the most important strategy to improve liver function. 

Unfortunately, LiverMD provides just 100 milligrams of ALA per daily dose, which might not be enough to have any of the above-cited clinical benefits.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential micronutrient with antioxidant properties. The problem is that most people tend to be zinc deficient — especially liver disease patients.^[20] 

Why? Because the liver plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy zinc levels^[21] and, in turn, zinc regulates the activity of liver enzymes. Liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis can lower zinc levels and reduce liver enzyme activity, lowering the liver’s capacity to break down toxic byproducts such as ammonia. 

So it makes sense that zinc supplementation can improve liver detoxification in those with nutritional deficiencies. Moreover, studies suggest that zinc supplements improve sarcopenia,^[22] i.e., muscle wastage, insulin sensitivity, and oxidative stress^[23] in those with chronic liver disease.

LiverMD provides 15 milligrams of zinc as zinc citrate, which is just above the Daily Value of zinc for adults. We don’t have any clinical evidence of the best dose of zinc in liver diseases, so aiming for the Daily Value is a safe bet.

Selenium Amino Acid Chelate

Selenium is critical for liver health because of its antioxidant capacity. It protects the liver from oxidative damage by acting directly as an antioxidant or making essential selenium-dependent antioxidants,^[24] such as glutathione. 

So it might not be surprising that studies show that those with hepatitis, liver cancer, and liver cirrhosis — but not nonalcoholic fatty liver disease — have significantly lower levels of selenium^[25] than the normal population. What’s more, the same study found that higher selenium levels were associated with a 41 percent decrease in the incidence of advanced liver diseases.

So, maintaining healthy selenium levels is important for a healthy liver. But there’s a catch. You need a healthy liver to regulate your selenium levels.^[26] This makes supplementing selenium crucial when your liver isn’t functioning as it should.

Minerals such as selenium are often paired with other compounds to increase bioavailability. A “selenium amino acid chelate” is selenium paired with an amino acid, which has been shown to increase bioavailability. 

LiverMD provides 200 micrograms of selenium per daily dose. 1MD doesn’t specify the type of selenium-amino acid chelate it uses, but the most common form of selenium/amino acid chelate in dietary supplements^[27] is selenomethionine.

Other Ingredients

LiverMD also contains L-cysteine, an amino acid that can be used to make N-acetyl-cysteine^[28] in the body, which has antioxidant properties. 

Other ingredients include cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, silica, and vegetable oil powder.

Alternatives To 1MD LiverMD

Health Benefits Of LiverMD

Improved Liver Function

The main health benefit of LiverMD is, of course, improved liver function. Most of the ingredients in LiverMD have been clinically proven to improve liver health and maintain liver function by reducing the risk of liver problems and helping prevent liver damage.

• Vitamin E has been shown to reduce liver “stiffness”^[6] and increase remission rates^[5] from fatty liver disease. 
• Siliphos can increase glutathione levels and protect liver cells from oxidative damage.^[9] 
• ALA might protect liver cells from diabetes-induced liver damage.^[14]
• Zinc might increase the liver’s capacity to metabolize harmful substances such as ammonia.^[21]
• Higher selenium levels can reduce the risk of advanced liver disease.^[25]

Weight Loss

Studies suggest that improving your liver health can help aid weight management and, vice versa, weight loss can also improve liver function.^[29]

Moreover, ALA has been shown to optimize leptin levels and promote weight loss.^[19]

Better Blood Sugar Balance

Better blood sugar balance can aid healthy weight management and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, which in turn can protect liver health.

Some of the ingredients in LiverMD might improve blood sugar management. For example, studies show that ALA^[17] and zinc^[23] can independently improve insulin sensitivity. 

Lower Inflammation

Most of the ingredients in LiverMD have anti-inflammatory benefits, irrespective of their impact on liver health. 

For example, selenium,^[30] zinc,^[31] and vitamin E^[32] all independently act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in the body. 

However, a recent meta-analysis only found one study of tocotrienol demonstrating a significant anti-inflammatory effect,^[33] so we need more research before recommending this form of vitamin E for anti-inflammatory benefits.

Other Health Benefits

Some other health benefits of LiverMD might include:

• Improved immune function.
• Improved detoxification of toxic substances.
• Improved cognition, including focus and clarity.
• Reduced risk of some types of cancer.

Potential Side Effects

While all the ingredients in LiverMD are considered safe for consumption, some of the ingredients have been associated with adverse effects in rare cases, most commonly with excessive consumption. 

According to the 1MD website, side effects of taking LiverMD can include:

• Indigestion and bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Itching

Selenium Toxicity

Supplementing an extra 200 micrograms of selenium^[27] is considered a safe addition to a normal, balanced American diet. However, keep in mind that the amount of selenium in this supplement is over three times the recommended DV. Selenium toxicity — also called selenosis^[34] — is a risk if you’re overconsuming selenium from other sources, such as Brazil nuts. 

The body can’t easily get rid of excess selenium, which accumulates and can cause damage^[24] to organs such as the pancreas and kidneys, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes or kidney disease.^[35]

Dosage

1MD recommends taking LiverMD as a dietary supplement alongside a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle. Adults are recommended to take two capsules, once a day, preferably with a meal for optimal absorption.

LiverMD Reviews: What Do Real Users Say?

Here are the most common Liver MD reviews and complaints from verified customers on 1md.org and amazon.com.

I have been using this product for quite some time now…When my doctor first started doing blood work to check my liver, she recommended I try a supplement to help support it. She has been very impressed with all the tests she has done since I started using the Liver MD and has told me to continue doing whatever I am doing because it is working.  I told her what I was using and she said she was going to recommend it to some of her other patients. This is an amazing product and I highly recommend it to help keep your liver healthy.

Charlene W.

I have been using LiverMD for over a year. It definitely works! My blood work indicates that my liver enzymes are within the normal range…

Linda R.

I found this and figured it’s worth a shot and was pleasantly surprised at just how well it works. My liver functions are back to normal, and I’m thrilled. I would undoubtedly endorse this for anyone who wanted to know about it.

Mohammad B.

OMG in less than a week of taking this supplement, as prescribed, my AST and ALT are within NORMAL range after so long! My Dr was so surprised that I had to show her what I was taking.

Maria I.

Final Thought: Is LiverMD Worth Buying?

LiverMD is a well-formulated liver support supplement with plenty of clinical evidence to back up the claims made by the company, 1MD Nutrition.

After researching the ingredients in LiverMD and reading many Liver MD reviews by real customers, we would recommend this supplement to people with chronic liver issues such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

However, LiverMD should be taken alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle with regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is strongly linked with obesity,^[36] so the first-line intervention for managing the fatty liver disease is weight loss. Of course, keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum is crucial to support a healthy liver.

Frequently Asked Questions

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