We’ve shortlisted products we think may be helpful for our readers. If you purchase any product through the links on our page, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Milk thistle is a flowering herbal remedy from the plant with the same name, a.k.a Silybum marianum. It was often used to treat conditions involving the gallbladder.
Most popularly, milk thistle is taken for its possible liver benefits.
In addition, it is widely known for its antioxidant properties due to its active compound called silymarin. [1] Now, the best milk thistle supplements are also promoted for aiding the treatment of cirrhosis, cancer, acne, and many more.
Let’s take a look at the best milk thistle supplements available on the market!
Quick Summary
Best Milk Thistle Powder: Micro Ingredients Organic Milk Thistle Powder
Most Added Value: California Gold Nutrition Silymarin Complex
Best Milk Thistle Dropper: Khroma Organic Milk Thistle
Highest Milk Thistle Content Per Serving: Life Extension Advanced Milk Thistle
| Brand | Milk Thistle Content Per Serving | Price/Number of Capsules/Ounces | Dosage Recommendation |
| Micro Ingredients Organic Milk Thistle Powder | 250 mg | ~$23/3.5 oz | 1 full scoop, mix into a drink and consume 3 times daily |
| Superior Labs Milk Thistle | 250 mg | ~$24/120 | 1 capsule two to three times daily |
| Future Kind + Vegan Milk Thistle Seed Liver Cleanse Supplement | 450 mg | ~$20/30 | 1 capsule daily |
| Bulk Supplements Milk Thistle Extract | 250 mg | ~$18/3.5 oz | Take 250 mg (1/10 tsp) once daily |
| California Gold Nutrition Silymarin Complex | 350 mg | ~$30/360 | 1 capsule daily |
| Life Extension Advanced Milk Thistle | 760 mg | ~$33/120 | In divided doses, take 2 softgels daily |
| Khroma Organic Milk Thistle | N/A | ~$23/2 oz | 3 full droppers by mouth daily with or without food |
7 Best Milk Thistle Supplements
Micro Ingredients Organic Milk Thistle Powder
MILK THISTLE CONTENT PER SERVING:
250 mg
PRICE/SIZE:
~$23/3.5 oz
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
1 full scoop, mix into a drink, and consume 3 times daily
Pros
- Organic
- No additives and preservatives
- Gluten-free and soy-free
- Non-GMO
Cons
- A little pricey
- Mixture is a little too thick, according to users
A trusted brand in the industry, Micro Ingredients’ Milk Thistle supplement is also made from organic ingredients and is standardized to 80% silymarin. Additionally, this powder is also vegan-friendly, which is great for many potential users. The brand also said that this is raw and free from fillers and additives to ensure quality, value for money, and safety.
Moreover, its packaging is recyclable, which is environment-friendly. Not only that, it retains the freshness and quality as well as provides UV protection to prevent oxidation. This supplement also aims to support liver health and fight radicals in the body.
Based on hundreds of reviews, the consensus is also positive. Many users are indeed happy with its benefits, and one review even mentioned helping to clear jaundice. Those who have liver issues also seem to see improvements. However, some had issues with the powder turning hard or becoming too thick to dissolve as they clump up in hot water.
Superior Labs Milk Thistle
MILK THISTLE CONTENT PER SERVING:
250 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$24/120
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
1 capsule two to three times daily
Pros
- Vegetable capsules
- No preservatives
- No artificial ingredients
- Safe from allergens and pesticides
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Some side effects experienced by users
According to Superior Labs, its milk thistle supplement went through third-party testing for quality assurance and safety. Moreover, this supplement was manufactured in a GMP-certified and FDA-registered facility which speaks volumes about their standards.
This aims to improve digestive function, support healthy blood sugar levels, maintain normal cholesterol levels, regulate live functions, and so much more. Also, the brand’s signature formula provides high antioxidant levels to maximize the advantages it brings and encourage the removal of toxins from the body.
Many users enjoy the benefits it brings, especially when it comes to cleansing their liver and other organs. Moreover, they also like its tasteless and easy-to-swallow capsules. However, some experienced stomach-related issues when they consumed these supplements.
Future Kind + Vegan Milk Thistle Seed Liver Cleanse Supplement
MILK THISTLE CONTENT PER SERVING:
450 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$20/30
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
1 capsule daily
Pros
- No artificial colors and preservatives
- Non-GMO
- Free of soy, animal derivatives, wheat, and yeast
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Expensive
This supplement also contains vegan-friendly tablets, which is great for reaching a wider audience. Each capsule contains 175 mg of Milk Thistle Seed Extract and also 275 mg of Milk Thistle Seed powder. Additionally, it’s made in an FDA-regulated facility to ensure standards were met. Also, a third-party organization tested the product to certify quality, potency, and safety.
It’s also considered a natural body boost that aids in improving or maintaining liver health. Due to its silymarin compound, milk thistle contains antioxidants that may help keep the skin clear and fight oxidative stress. User feedback is limited for the time being, but according to those reviews available, they praised its impact on their liver health.
Bulk Supplements Milk Thistle Extract
MILK THISTLE CONTENT PER SERVING:
250 mg
PRICE/SIZE:
~$18/3.5 oz
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 250 mg (1/10 tsp) once daily
Pros
- Gluten-free and soy-free
- No additives
- Free of added sugar, yeast, and dairy
Cons
- Some packaging issues
As a trusted brand in the industry, Bulk Supplements’ version of the milk thistle supplement is lab-inspected and verified. Additionally, to guarantee the safety and quality of the product, it went through third-party testing. It was also manufactured in a GMP-certified facility that adheres to strict standards. And if you’re happy with the product, you can even choose a bigger size for long-term consumption.
It’s filled with flavonoids and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it aims to support joints and bones and promote liver health. So far, the only issue that some users have is that the powder clumps up, but overall, the consensus is positive based on hundreds of reviews. Based on the feedback, the supplement helps clear toxins, lower blood cholesterol, and also aids in acne removal.
California Gold Nutrition Silymarin Complex
MILK THISTLE CONTENT PER SERVING:
300 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$30/360
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
1 capsule daily
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Some reported side effects
This milk thistle supplement is also audited by a third-party organization and was manufactured in a GMP-certified facility to ensure purity, quality, potency, and safety. Moreover, it’s made to be safe for vegetarians and vegans. Also, this provides great value for money, considering it’s only $30 for 360 capsules.
The brand’s formula adds many more nutritional components such as Black Pepper Extract, Dandelion Extract, Artichoke Extract, Turmeric Extract, and Ginger Powder. These other ingredients also enhance the health benefits of this supplement. Additionally, it aims to detoxify the body from toxins and promote liver health.
Based on over 25,000 user feedback, the product is also very well-received. For instance, a user who had a massive fatty liver mentioned that after taking the product, the test result showed that it’s only slightly enlarged now. Many more also said that it helped with clearing their liver and kidneys. However, some experienced difficulty sleeping and dizziness.
Life Extension Advanced Milk Thistle
MILK THISTLE CONTENT PER SERVING:
760 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$33/120
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
In divided doses, take 2 softgels daily
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Trusted brand
Cons
- A bit pricier
- Contains soybean
Life Extension’s Milk Thistle supplement also contains a specific formula developed to deliver full-spectrum support for liver health. Furthermore, the use of phospholipids in this supplement allows for better absorption.
This supplement aims to not only promote or improve liver health but also to boost the overall immune system of the body. Additionally, the brand used phytosome milk thistle extract to aid the body in accepting the capsules more easily since silybin alone doesn’t dissolve very well.
According to users, the softgels are also easy to swallow with no aftertaste. Many also users enjoyed the benefits of taking this product as they claimed it has helped cleansed their liver and aided in their treatment, especially those who drink alcohol. Moreover, the main concern of a few users seems to be the price only.
Khroma Organic Milk Thistle
MILK THISTLE CONTENT PER SERVING:
N/A
PRICE/SIZE:
~$23/2 oz
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
3 full droppers by mouth daily with or without food
Pros
- USDA Organic
- Vegan-friendly
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Quite pricey
Khroma’s Milk Thistle version is in drop form, making it easier to consume. This supplement also went through third-party testing for guaranteed quality, purity, and potency. Moreover, it contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties to enhance the health benefits.
Those with age-related decline in brain function may also benefit from taking this supplement. According to the brand, it may aid in cancer treatment, treat acne, support bone health, protect your liver, and lower your blood sugar levels. The supplement also does not have an aftertaste, which is appreciated by many users.
Benefits of Milk Thistle Supplements
Some studies suggest that consuming it in supplement form may also help in reducing liver damage or inflammation. [2] Moreover, another study showed that those with cirrhosis due to alcohol might improve their life expectancy if they take milk thistle. [3] However, more research needs to be done to know the extent of the benefits.
Acne and the scar that results from it can benefit from milk thistle due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the research found that participants with acne taking 210 mg of silymarin for 8 weeks saw their acne lesions reduced by 53%. [4]
In addition, other benefits may include the support of diabetes treatment, protection of bones, indigestion, and much more. Nonetheless, more studies need to be conducted to develop a stronger consensus regarding the benefits of milk thistle.
How to Choose the Best Milk Thistle Supplements
Here are some things to keep in mind when picking out the best milk thistle supplements:-
- Quality testing: Products that undergo third-party tests are more likely to have accurate labels and good quality. These third-party testing typically check for active ingredient contents to ensure it matches what’s included on the label. Additionally, most testing also checks for contaminants such as heavy metals.
- Formulation: Based on our list, you’ll have the option to choose between a powder, capsule, or liquid formulation. This boils down to your preferences. If you dislike swallowing capsules, a powder or liquid formulation may be better suited.
- Additional ingredients: Some products include other ingredients that may help accentuate and work synergistically with the milk thistle present to enhance any effects. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that regardless of the product you pick, its efficacy may differ from person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Is Milk Thistle Best Absorbed?
Milk thistle supplements can be absorbed in several ways. As evidenced by the list above, it can also be in the form of capsules, powder, or even a dropper. Furthermore, the best milk thistle supplements can vary in form, and it will ultimately depend on you as to what you’re most comfortable with.
What Is It Good For?
As mentioned above, the best milk thistle supplements are also developed to aid in the maintenance or improvement of liver health. Additionally, due to its nutrient profile, it may also support bone health, cancer treatment, and digestive problems, among many others.
What Does Milk Thistle Interact With?
Interaction with other drugs may happen due to the breakdown of the same liver enzymes. [5] Here are some medications milk thistle can interact with:
- Cholesterol Drugs
- Allergy Medications
- Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Drugs
- Anti-anxiety medicine
Remember that it’s best to consult a doctor first so your health or condition won’t be at risk. Moreover, sometimes only specific medications can have implications based on their ingredients.
Does Milk Thistle Work?
According to studies and user feedback, yes they do. Of course, it’s also important to note that not everyone will react the same to milk thistle supplements. It may be effective for some but not others.
Are Milk Thistle Supplements Safe?
Generally, it’s safe to consume. [6] Several studies also indicate that only 1% of participants experienced side effects from taking this supplement. [7] However, some caution is advised to those who are pregnant, diabetics, and allergic to the plant.
Bottomline: Best Milk Thistle Supplements
Milk Thistle is a plant famous for being used in supplements as they have scientifically-backed health benefits. In this article, you’ll see the carefully selected curation of the best Milk Thistle supplements that may aid you in treating your conditions. The list is also varied in forms and prices to give you a wide range of choices before deciding. Thus, it’s important to read through the article for your supplemental research.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at NO extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
