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Detox supplements are products sold to support your body's own clean-up systems, especially the liver. This range includes milk thistle, NAC, TUDCA, ox bile, B-complex vitamins, glycine and multi-ingredient liver formulas, from brands including Beast Labs Nutrition, Now Foods, LVLUP Health, Primabolics and Life Extension. Here is what they contain and what the evidence says.

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Detox: buying guide

Your body already has a detox system

Your liver clears waste products from your blood, including medicines and toxins such as alcohol, and makes bile to help you digest food. As healthdirect puts it, your liver and kidneys are very effective at removing toxins and wastes from your body. The same page notes there is little evidence that liver detoxes, cleanses and supplements work. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) also found no compelling research supporting detox diets for weight management.

So the most useful things you can do are the everyday basics: drink less alcohol, eat a balanced diet, stay active and keep to a healthy weight.

What is in this range

  • Milk thistle (silymarin). A plant extract widely sold for liver support. NCCIH says evidence is not strong enough to draw firm conclusions, and trials in liver conditions have been conflicting or too limited.
  • NAC (N-acetyl cysteine). The Australian Institute of Sport lists NAC in Group B, meaning emerging evidence for athletes that needs more research.
  • TUDCA and ox bile. Bile-related supplements sold for liver and digestive support. Treat marketing claims with the same caution as other detox products.
  • Vitamins, minerals and amino acids. B complex, multivitamin packs, glycine and taurine are general nutrition products rather than detox treatments.
  • Cleanse and water-loss products. Some formulas include laxative or diuretic ingredients, so read the label closely and see the safety notes below.

How to choose and use them safely

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a liver or detox supplement, and check it will not interact with your medicines.
  • Read the full ingredient list. Multi-ingredient formulas can contain several herbs with different side effects.
  • Herbal products can vary in quality. NCCIH notes some milk thistle supplements contained different amounts of silymarin than the label stated.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, little is known about the safety of many of these herbs, so check with your doctor.

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Related categories

See liver support, TUDCA and gut health.

Sources: healthdirect: Liver; NCCIH: Detoxes and cleanses, what you need to know; NCCIH: Milk thistle.

Order online with Australia-wide delivery, free on orders of $100 or more, or visit a Supps247 store in Melbourne, regional Victoria or Brisbane to compare products in person before you buy. Members can use our price match guarantee on full-priced items.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, check with your doctor first.

Detox: questions and answers

Do detox supplements actually work?
There is little evidence that they do. healthdirect says there is little evidence to support claims that liver detoxes, cleanses and supplements work, and that your liver and kidneys are already very effective at removing toxins and wastes. A review cited by the US NCCIH found no compelling research supporting detox diets for weight management. Healthy everyday habits matter far more.
Is milk thistle safe to take?
Taken by mouth, milk thistle appears to be well tolerated, according to NCCIH. The most common side effects are digestive, such as bloating, nausea and gas. Allergic reactions can happen, especially in people allergic to related plants such as ragweed. Little is known about its safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and you should check with your doctor if you take any medicine.
Can detox or cleanse products be harmful?
They can. NCCIH notes that detox programs may include laxatives that cause diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration, and that fasting while drinking large amounts of fluid could cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances. US regulators have also acted against detox products with hidden ingredients. Check the label carefully and speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting one.
How can I look after my liver?
healthdirect recommends limiting alcohol, which your liver has to process. Australian guidelines suggest no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day. Eating a balanced diet, staying active and keeping to a healthy weight also help. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a liver supplement, to check it suits your medicines.

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