Vitamins for Good Liver Health

Your liver is a football sized organ that is located on the right side of your abdomen. If your liver does not function properly, you can't process nutrients, rid your body of toxic chemicals, or digest food. The liver also is the main organ used in the processing of any medications you may take. The liver is also used by the body to store some vitamins, minerals and sugars. Basically, a non functioning liver equals death, so it is very important to maintain a healthy diet and monitor your intake of certain vitamins if you have liver problems.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that assists the liver in its detoxification the body, as well as reducing any inflammation of the liver that may be present. Vitamin C is not stored in the body, so it is important to have it included in your diet daily. Citrus fruits and green peppers are a good dietary source of Vitamin C, and it is available as a dietary supplement on its own or as part of a multivitamin.

The B Complex Vitamins

The B Complex group of vitamins are important for many bodily functions, not the least those of the liver. Vitamin B3, or niacin, assists the liver in its digestive functions, and has a role in the energy production of cells, including liver cells. Vitamin B9, or folic acid, aids in cell repair. These vitamins are present in most cereals, and in over the counter multivitamins.

Vitamin K

While Vitamin k deficiency is rare, it often occurs in people with liver problems. Vitamin K is necessary for the liver to produce blood clotting factors, which are essential for good health. Green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce are good sources of vitamin K.

Vitamin A

While Vitamin A is an important part of basic nutrition, it is toxic to the liver in large doses. Therefore, it is important for those with liver problems to monitor their intake of this vitamin and to avoid over the counter vitamin supplements which have "mega doses" of vitamin A.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E, like Vitamin C, is an antioxidant. Vitamin E helps the liver with detoxification. It also is toxic to the liver in large doses, so high intake of this vitamin should be avoided if you have liver problems.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/liver-problems/DS01133

http://www.thebody.com/content/prev/art14507.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/vitamin-b-complex

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-vitamink.html

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine.asp