Taking care of your liver through B-complex supplementation (2024)

FAQs

Does vitamin B complex help your liver? ›

B-complex supports liver metabolism and repair

Folate (B9) and the vitamins B6 and B12, especially support special liver metabolism reactions (Halsted CH 2013). Folate plays an important role in the activation of genetic pathways that heal the liver upon injury (Halsted CH 2013).

Vitamin B. Studies have shown that B vitamins can benefit liver function in several ways, including reversing liver inflammation. Many B vitamins, including vitamin B12 and folic acid, can improve liver health in people with fatty liver disease.

Vitamin B complex appears to be safe for most people to take every day as the body does not store any excess. These vitamins are eliminated in the urine. When taking vitamin B supplements, however, it is essential to follow the instructions.

Many liver detoxification products are also sold as weight loss cleanses. However, there are no clinical data to support the efficacy of these cleanses. In fact, some dietary supplements can actually cause harm to the liver by leading to drug-induced injury and should thus be used with caution.

Milk thistle, for example, has been traditionally used to promote liver well-being due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Other supplements that may be beneficial include turmeric, berberine, and vitamin E.

Differences Between B12 and B Complex

B12 is a single vitamin, while B Complex is a blend of several B Vitamins—including B12. Though you can take B12 separately (and many plant-based people do), it's best to take them together, as the vitamins work synergistically to support energy, metabolism, and DNA/RNA synthesis.

The best way to reverse the damage is to remove whatever is causing it. For example, if you have fatty liver caused by drinking alcohol, it's important to stop drinking. If it's caused by your diet or being overweight, then it's important to eat healthily and lose weight.

Vitamins and Minerals

An excess amount of vitamin A can injure your already sick liver. Vitamin C supplement may be taken unless you have hemochromatosis. If you have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), you may not only be low in fat soluble vitamins A and E but also vitamins D and K and may need special replacement.

Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Is B-complex good for seniors? ›

People who are 65 or older may benefit from a B-complex supplement. Research shows that older adults are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency. Some evidence suggests that having higher levels of B12 may help slow the aging of the brain.

Since B vitamins are water-soluble, it's unlikely that you will consume too much of these nutrients through food or by taking a B-complex supplement as directed. However, taking supplements that contain excessively high and unnecessary quantities of B vitamins could lead to serious side effects.

Autoimmune dysfunction and chronic vitamin B₁₂ deficiency might lead to decreased hepatic detoxification and damage repair, and to progression of chronic liver disease, like liver cirrhosis.

How long does it take for vitamin B complex to work? The anecdotal effects of B vitamins can be fairly immediate, although research has shown that B vitamins (in addition to vitamin C and minerals) make participants feel more alert within about 2 weeks.

Preliminary evidence suggests that antioxidants, including vitamin E and selenium, might help in treating primary biliary cirrhosis, a condition in which the bile ducts of the liver are slowly destroyed.

Water-soluble vitamins such as B vitamins are better for those with kidney disease because they are excreted by the body and generally do not cause harm to the kidneys.