Discussion

The liver is the body’s major metabolic organ. It processes, packages, stores, and ships out carbohydrates, fats,

proteins, and micronutrients. It is responsible for the breakdown and elimination of alcohol, toxins, hormones,

and medications, as well as for the synthesis of vital proteins, such as albumin, prealbumin, and clotting factors.

It may be stated that the health of the body depends on the health of the liver. Research suggests that providing

targeted nutrition supplementation may help support liver function and health.*[1]

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) An acetylated derivative of the sulfur-containing amino acid L-cysteine, NAC

promotes the synthesis of glutathione—a tripeptide that is active in detoxification and antioxidant systems.

Glutathione also supports a healthy defense against hepatotoxic environmental pollutants, gamma-radiation,

and other potential toxins.*

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Sometimes referred to as thioctic acid, alpha-lipoic acid is both water- and fat-soluble. It

supports glutathione, helps regenerate antioxidant vitamins C and E, helps maintain the ratio of reduced to

oxidized CoQ10 in the mitochondria, and helps support healthy levels of nitric oxide in the liver and kidney.

[3] The redox couple of lipoic acid and dihydrolipoic stabilizes NF-kappaB transcription and may help support

healthy immune functions in the body.*

Milk Thistle Seed Extract Silymarin, the active component in milk thistle, has a history of use in promoting

liver health. It supports antioxidant activity, neutralizes toxins, and also may protect hepatocytes’ genetic

material. Like alpha-lipoic acid, silymarin supports production of cellular glutathione. Its actions in the liver

include maintaining normal levels of fat peroxidation and fibrous tissue formation; supporting a healthy immune

response and the natural response to inflammation; and promoting protein synthesis and normal regeneration

of liver tissue.[6] A randomized placebo-controlled study of 103 individuals suggested that silymarin yielded

statistically positive results and was well tolerated.*[7]

Selenium (as selenomethionine) An important coenzyme for the glutathione peroxidase detoxification system,

selenium also appears to support the endogenous antioxidant defenses of hepatocytes by upregulating their

manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression. At the same time, selenium appears to support healthy

cytokine balance by affecting interleukin-6 (IL-6) transcription in Kupffer cells (liver-based macrophages).[8]

Kupffer cells play a crucial role in maintaining normal structure and function in the liver. Supporting their function

and the body’s normal inflammatory response in turn supports liver health overall.*[9]

Upon studying targeted nutrition support for liver health, physician and researcher Dr. Burton M. Berkson chose

to combine alpha-lipoic acid, silymarin, and selenium to obtain a balanced and low-cost approach to liver

support.[10] These three ingredients plus NAC are all present in Liver Detox to support liver health, antioxidant

activity, and the body’s natural immune defenses.*