Milk thistle: 10 Frequently Asked Questions About One of the Most Used Supplements for Liver Wellbeing

 

 

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been for decades one of the most recognised plant-based ingredients in dietary supplements. Its association with liver wellbeing, protection against oxidative stress, and support for digestive processes has made it a common ingredient in formulations aimed at liver care.

However, its popularity has also led to doubts, unrealistic expectations, and confusing messages. What does science really say about milk thistle? How does it act in the body? What can be stated from a regulatory point of view? And what factors make the difference between a quality supplement and a generic one?

We will try to answer the most frequently asked questions about milk thistle to help you make an informed decision.

1. What is milk thistle and why is it used as a dietary supplement?

Milk thistle is a herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, easily recognisable by its white-veined leaves. Since ancient times, its seeds have been used for traditional purposes, particularly relating to digestion and the liver.

Today, its use as a dietary supplement is based on its silymarin content, a complex of bioactive compounds that has been widely studied. Unlike other plant extracts with a more diffuse profile, milk thistle stands out for having a well-defined phytochemical identity, which has facilitated scientific research.

For this reason, it is one of the most used ingredients when seeking to support liver function within a responsible nutritional approach.

2. What is silymarin and why is it key to choosing a good milk thistle supplement?

Silymarin is the main active complex of milk thistle and is composed of several flavonolignans, among which silibinin stands out as the most biologically relevant component.

This point is fundamental, as not all milk thistle supplements are equivalent. Scientific research has not been conducted with the whole un-concentrated plant, but rather with standardised silymarin extracts, allowing precise knowledge of the amount of active compounds ingested.

A standardised extract guarantees:

• A consistent concentration of active compounds
• Reproducibility in dosing
• Consistency with amounts used in scientific studies

Conversely, products that do not specify their silymarin content may provide variable results. Understanding what silymarin is and how it is expressed on the label is a key step in choosing an effective supplement.

3. Does milk thistle support liver health?

The relationship between milk thistle and the liver is undoubtedly the most studied and the most interesting.

Within the European regulatory framework, the EFSA has evaluated milk thistle in the process of authorising health claims. Currently, there are claims on hold for this ingredient, including:

• Supports liver health¹
• Contributes to liver protection¹
• Contributes to the detoxifying potential of the liver¹
• Helps protect the liver, which in turn maintains its function and also supports digestion and body purification¹
• Antioxidant activity²

These claims on hold reflect that there is traditional use and a relevant body of scientific evidence, although the final authorisation process has not yet been completed.

4. How long does it take to notice the effects of milk thistle?

Milk thistle does not act immediately. As a dietary supplement, its use should be considered in the context of consistency and medium-term use.

Effects are usually noticeable between four and twelve weeks, with daily continuous intake. This approach aligns with its role as nutritional support, especially for those wishing to care for their liver within a healthy lifestyle.

Patience and regularity are key.

5. Is it safe to take milk thistle continuously?

One of the best-established aspects of milk thistle is its good safety profile. Following label instructions, it is safe to take.

Reported side effects are uncommon and generally mild, mainly digestive in nature. However, as with any supplement, caution is advised in specific situations such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if taking medication, in which case consulting a doctor is recommended.

6. Who can benefit from milk thistle in their daily life?

Milk thistle is not intended only for people with a specific condition, but for those wishing to support liver function preventively within a modern lifestyle.

Today, the liver is subjected to multiple stressors: unbalanced diets, occasional alcohol consumption, stress, exposure to environmental pollutants, or occasional medication use. In this context, many people seek nutritional solutions to help maintain metabolic balance.

Milk thistle may be especially interesting for:

• People wishing to support liver function
• Those seeking a supplement with antioxidant activity
• People following less balanced diets and wishing to add additional nutritional support
• Users prioritising plant ingredients with a long history of use

In all cases, it is important to understand milk thistle as nutritional support, not a quick fix or a substitute for healthy habits. Its true value lies in consistency and choosing a quality, well-formulated supplement suitable for daily use.

7. Does milk thistle "detoxify" the liver?

The concept of "detox" is often misleading. The liver naturally performs the body's detoxification processes.

Milk thistle does not directly cleanse or purify the liver. However, available evidence suggests it may support the liver's physiological mechanisms¹ and contribute to the liver's detoxifying potential¹.

8. Why is the capsule format a good option?

The capsule format is especially suitable for extracts like milk thistle because it allows:

• Precise and consistent dosing
• Protection of the extract from oxidation
• Facilitation of daily adherence

Additionally, capsules allow incorporation of highly concentrated and standardised extracts.

9. What differentiates a high-quality milk thistle supplement?

Not all supplements are equal. A well-formulated product is characterised by key aspects: standardised extract, label transparency, consistent dosage, and controlled manufacturing processes.

In this regard, our Milk Thistle Capsules stand out for:

• Using carefully selected milk thistle extract
• Standardised in silymarin, ensuring content and quality
• Presented in easy-to-take vegetable capsules
• Formulated without unnecessary ingredients

These characteristics ensure you are purchasing a product aligned with scientific evidence and current quality standards.

10. Can milk thistle be combined with other supplements?

Milk thistle integrates well into broader nutritional strategies. In some cases, it is combined with other ingredients aimed at digestive or liver wellbeing, always within a responsible approach.

At Anastore, we recommend combining it with our Artichoke Capsules or with the exclusive product D-Fort.

It is important to avoid excess and prioritise consistency of supplementation with lifestyle.

Bibliography:

1. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 4141).
2. Extracted from the EFSA health claims application list, under evaluation (ID 2641).