What is the recommended dose of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) for treating steatosis (fatty liver disease) due to chronic alcohol use?

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From the FDA Drug Label

The daily dose for MUTIAN is 100mg/kg of body weight. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

For fatty liver due to long-term alcohol use, a typical recommended dose of milk thistle (silymarin) is 140-800 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses, as supported by recent studies such as 1 and 2.

Key Considerations

  • Many studies have used 420 mg daily (140 mg three times daily) of standardized milk thistle extract containing 70-80% silymarin.
  • It is essential to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as tolerated.
  • Taking milk thistle with meals can improve absorption.
  • Milk thistle may help because its active component, silymarin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect liver cells from damage and potentially promote liver cell regeneration.

Important Notes

  • While milk thistle shows promise for liver health, it should complement, not replace, abstinence from alcohol and a healthy diet.
  • Results vary between individuals, and it may take several months of consistent use to notice benefits.
  • If you have existing medical conditions or take other medications, consult your healthcare provider before starting milk thistle as it may interact with certain drugs, particularly those metabolized by the liver, as noted in 3.

Additional Recommendations

  • Combining milk thistle with other antioxidants like vitamin E, as seen in 2, may enhance its benefits.
  • However, the primary focus should be on the most recent and highest quality study, which in this case is 1, emphasizing the importance of silymarin's multifunctional properties in treating liver diseases.
  • Other studies, such as 4 and 5, discuss the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease but are not directly relevant to the recommended dose of milk thistle for fatty liver due to long-term alcohol use.

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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