How could milk thistle benefit your health?

Here’s how this supplement might improve your health

Milk thistle is a plant growing in the eastern United States, California, Africa, Australia, Asia and South America. People worldwide use its extract as a natural remedy for various health concerns. Milk thistle may be a great addition to daily health management to boost the immune system, encourage weight loss and brain function, help the liver or improve the skin’s appearance.

Shop this article: Bronson Milk Thistle 1000 MG, Puritan’s Pride Milk Thistle Extract, Nutricost Milk Thistle

WHAT MAKES MILK THISTLE WORK?

Silymarin is the key ingredient behind milk thistle's health benefits. It's an antioxidant that mixes three isomers found in milk thistle seeds and is used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies. This term is often used interchangeably with milk thistle.

WHEN TO TAKE MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle supplements are mild on the stomach, don’t cause drowsiness and have no stimulating effects. You can take them at any time of day or night, with or without food. Milk thistle manufacturers often outline the recommended daily dosage, depending on the range of active ingredients contained within each dose.

Like any health-based supplementation, milk thistle carries a range of potential side effects.

Some of the possible side effects of consuming milk thistle include the following:

• Itchiness
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation and bloating

However, the likelihood of these side effects generally depends on underlying health conditions. If you begin to experience unpleasant symptoms while taking milk thistle, consult your doctor.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF MILK THISTLE

• Liver function: The Mayo Clinic says milk thistle "might play a role in treating certain liver conditions." Milk thistle is regularly taken as a complementary supplement alongside other treatments for liver diseases.
• Immune system function: Milk thistle may have anti-inflammatory effects, according to the National Institutes of Health.
• Brain function: Silymarin's anti-oxidant effects may also significantly benefit brain function. For example, a possible benefit is the prevention of age-related decline in overall cognition.
• Skin health: Some links have been drawn between the consumption of milk thistle and anti-aging effects on the skin. Milk thistle may contribute to your body’s ability to fight the aging effects of ultraviolet light on the skin.
• Type 2 diabetes management: According to the Mayo Clinic, milk thistle has properties that may lower blood sugar levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes, though more studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

WHO SHOULD AVOID TAKING MILK THISTLE?

As with many dietary supplements, medical evidence of the benefits and risks of milk thistle needs to be more conclusive.

However, some people should take caution with milk thistle due to potential risks, including:

• People with type 1 diabetes: Taking milk thistle with type 1 diabetes runs the risk of dangerously lowering your blood sugar. With this in mind, it’s best for those with type 1 diabetes to avoid it.
• Pregnant people: There is no conclusive data on the safety of taking milk thistle during pregnancy.
• People with endocrinological conditions: Milk thistle can affect the body's estrogen level. If you suffer from any condition related to hormone sensitivity, milk thistle may not be a suitable supplement.
• People with allergies to certain plants: If a person is allergic to ragweed, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, chrysanthemums or daises, they should avoid milk thistle.

Before taking milk thistle, speak with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for your health.

Best milk thistle supplements

Bronson Milk Thistle 1000 MG

This 120-count of supplements aims to remove harmful toxins from the body. Each capsule has 1000 milligrams of milk thistle and 50 grams of dandelion root. These capsules contain flowers, so people allergic to ragweed or daisy-like flowers should avoid them.

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Puritan’s Pride Milk Thistle Extract

These scientifically-formulated capsules contain 1,000 mg of milk thistle to support healthy liver function. You have the option to receive a three- or six-month supply of milk thistle capsules. They are free of gluten, artificial flavors, sweeteners, dairy, sugar, yeast, wheat, fish, preservatives and sodium.

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Nutricost Milk Thistle

Each capsule contains 1,000 mg of premium, high-grade milk thistle. They are third-party tested, non-GMO and gluten-free. The capsules are made in a Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant, Federal Drug Administration-registered facility.

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Zazzee Naturals Organic Milk Thistle

This 120-count of vegetarian capsule has 30:1 milk thistle extract. They contain 80% of silymarin flavonoids, each with 7,500 mg of strength. The capsules are non-GMO and certified organic by the Department of Agriculture. A single bottle lasts up to four months.

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Toniiq Milk Thistle Ultra Concentrated

This three-month supply of 90 capsules contains high-quality, ethically-sourced milk thistle. Every capsule has 500 mg of the plant, with 400 mg being silymarin. They are made in a GMP-certified and NSF-approved manufacturing facility in the United States.

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Nature’s Way Premium Blend Milk Thistle

They are offered as 60- or 120-count capsules containing 80% silymarin to support liver health. The capsules are vegetarian and non-GMO. Every bottle is made from 97% post-consumer recycled plastic.

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Life Extension Advanced Milk Thistle

These dietary supplements contain milk thistle extracts such as isosilybin A and B to promote liver health. They are soft gels easing absorption to increase effectiveness. They are certified non-GMO and gluten-free.

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Fresh Nutrition Milk Thistle Organic

These dietary supplements contain 2,000 mg of milk thistle seeds, providing one of the highest potencies of the plant. Each 120-count of capsule lasts four months. They are certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free and made in an FDA-registered facility.

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Now Double Strength Milk Thistle Extract

This 200-count of 300-mg milk thistle supplement contains artichoke and dandelion for added health benefits. They are non-GMP, vegan, soy-, nut-, gluten-, dairy-, Halal-free and Kosher-certified. Take one to three supplements daily, depending on your needs.

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Nature's Bounty Milk Thistle Rapid Release Softgels

The soft gel coating on these 1,000-mg milk thistle capsules releases the supplement quickly into your body, making them easy to swallow. The supplements are non-vegetarian and gluten-free.

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Lauren Farrell writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.