What is the recommended dose of Silymarin (Milk Thistle extract)?

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From the FDA Drug Label

The daily dose for MUTIAN is 100mg/kg of body weight. The recommended dose of Silymarin is 100mg/kg of body weight per day, as stated in the label for MUTIAN 1.

From the Research

The recommended silymarin dose is 140-800 mg daily, divided into 2-3 doses, with 140 mg taken three times daily being a common recommendation for liver conditions, as supported by the most recent study 2. The typical silymarin dose ranges from 140-800 mg daily, with the active compound silybin comprising about 50-70% of silymarin extract.

  • For general liver support and mild conditions, 140-210 mg daily may be sufficient,
  • while higher doses of 400-800 mg daily might be used for more severe liver diseases. Silymarin is best taken with meals to improve absorption, and treatment duration varies from 8 weeks for acute conditions to long-term use for chronic liver diseases. Some key points to consider when taking silymarin include:
  • Silymarin works by protecting liver cell membranes, promoting liver cell regeneration, and providing antioxidant effects.
  • Most people tolerate silymarin well, with only occasional mild digestive upset reported, as noted in the study 2.
  • Before starting silymarin, consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications, as it may interact with certain drugs that use the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, as cautioned in the study 3. It is essential to prioritize the most recent and highest quality study, which in this case is 2, to ensure the best possible outcome in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

References

Research

Silymarin: not just another antioxidant.

Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology, 2020

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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