Liver supplements are used to support a healthy liver, helping protect it from the damaging effects of alcohol and liver disorders. These supplements contain herbs and other natural compounds with a history of use as liver remedies. On this glossary page, we are going to cover the key terms relevant to liver health and supplementation.
Antioxidant
One of the most popular dietary supplements, antioxidants are natural and man-made compounds that help counter damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are a natural byproduct of the normal functions of the body, but their levels can rise due to illness, ultraviolet light exposure, and other causes. The human body produces many of its own antioxidants, such as glutathione, and also receives antioxidant compounds through dietary sources. In the context of liver health, oxidative damage is implicated in virtually all short-term and chronic liver conditions, which is why most liver supplements have antioxidant properties.
Cirrhosis
A late stage of liver scarring (fibrosis) caused by chronic liver conditions or alcohol use. In cirrhosis, healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. If left untreated, cirrhosis can develop into end-stage liver disease (ESLD) which is fatal without a liver transplant.
Cytokines
Protein molecules made and released by immune cells that control the body’s immune response and inflammation. Most cytokines are anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory, and change the function of immune system cells. In the context of liver health, some pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in liver inflammation seen in liver disorders.
Fibrosis
The first stage of liver scarring caused by chronic liver conditions such as hepatitis or alcohol use.
Glutathione
This antioxidant compound plays a key role in protecting the body from oxidative damage. Glutathione is particularly important for liver health because it helps the liver process alcohol and other toxins. For this reason, glutathione often becomes depleted in liver disorders. Some liver supplements – such as N-acetylcysteine – help the liver by increasing glutathione production.
Hepatitis
An inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, excessive alcohol use, drugs, or illness. Most cases of hepatitis are viral, and are subdivided into hepatitis A, B, and C.
Hepatoprotective
A term for any compound or effect that protects the liver from disease, injury, and damage.
Liver Enzymes
Elevated levels of these biomolecules can indicate damage and inflammation in the liver. In particular, doctors test the levels of the enzymes gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Human studies have shown that some liver supplements can reduce the levels of these enzymes.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
An overlying term for liver conditions that are not caused by alcohol consumption, and are characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver. NAFLD is the most common liver condition in the world, estimated to affect about 25% of all people.
Oxidative stress
A state of imbalance between the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress is implicated in a wide range of health disorders – including liver conditions – and also appears to play a key role in human aging.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Highly-reactive, oxygen-containing compounds that can cause damage to cells. ROS are a natural byproduct of the normal functions of all living organisms, but their levels can rise due to illness, ultraviolet light exposure, and other causes.
Steatosis (fatty liver)
The medical term for abnormal fat accumulation in the liver. Steatosis is the central feature of many chronic liver conditions.
