Thought it might be a good time to re post this info:
HRs' Liver Lover Supplement List
I have added links if additional info wanted.
B12, B6 and Folic acid
a multi vitamin/no iron
1000 mg of Salmon Oil (epa=160 mg / dha=240 mg / omega 3 = 400 mg) x1
1000 mg of ALA
Raw flaxseed/ 1 teaspoon daily
Hepatapro PPC (900 mg) x 2
info:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/346752
Resveratrol (500 mg) x1 and x2 (alternate every other day)
info: http://www.lef.org/resveratrol/
source: http://megaresveratrol.com/
SAM-E (200mg) x 2
NAC--(n-acetyl-l-cysteine) A sulfur compound that is a precursor of glutathione and protected sulfur-containing amino acid (600 mg) x2 with Vit C (500 mg) x2
Info: http://tinyurl.com/9yopf
TMG (750 mg) x 2
http://www.raysahelian.com/trimethylglycine.html
Taurine (500 mg) x 2
In a double-blind, randomized study (3), acute hepatitis patients were given taurine in the amount of 4 grams 3 times a day after meals. The participants in the taurine study experienced significant decreases in bilirubin, and total bile acids.
Super Biocurcumin 800Mg 60 Caps (800 mg) x 2 / Powerful Antioxidant Properties to scavenge free radicals
Anti-Inflammatory Actions
Enhances important detoxification enzymes Curcumin increases the secretion of bile by stimulating the bile duct. It also protects the liver by detoxification, stimulating the gall bladder and scavenging free radicals. With the help of the adrenal glands, it inhibits both platelet aggregation and the enzymes which induce inflammatory prostaglandins. Curcumin may also help break down fats and reduce cholesterol. Large doses not recommended in cases of acute bilious colic, obstructive jaundice, painful gallstones, and extremely toxic liver disorders
Sylmarin (425 mg) x 2 / Milk thistle provides hepatocellular protection by stabilizing hepatic cell membranes.
Green Tea Extract (300 mg) x 2 /
info: http://tinyurl.com/ypdp9q
Coq10 (200 mg) x 1 / http://tinyurl.com/29em8c
Inulin 1 teaspoon daily
Lactobacillus GG (culterelle) 1 tab x 2
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What to take while on tox per HR
The supplements while on tx question is difficult, because the ones having antifibrotic promise are almost all antiinflammatory, somewhat reducing the initiating events at the dendritic cell/lymphocyte interface.I know this sounds technical. Most of them also have, paradoxically an improving effect on some aspects of lymphocyte function, as the spectracell test clearly shows.
Bottom line, NO CLEAR ANSWER possible regarding use during tx.
But a moderate use of NAC/VitC, TMG, ALA ( those are quite cheap and possibly PPC (since it was actually shown to help the SVR rate) is probably a good idea even during tx. Vit D3 is good, but it would be best to know ones serum level.
Also some Inulin is inexpensive (http://www.raysahelian.com/inulin.html) and a very good well researched prebiotic. Cannot get Lactulose here in the US without script. Available w/o script in Canada. Inulin is the alternative.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------There is no fundamental difference between pre tx and post tx antifibrotic measures, except that once you are SVR you can hope/expect the profibrotic inflammatory process in the liver to slow down or in the balance with the constant removal of some fibrosis to tilt towards reduction by itself.
The diet principles of small volume, high fiber meals to reduce the metabolic stress on the liver, removal of adipositas and the principle of prebiosis/probiosis/eubiosis apply always before any "supplements" should be taken.
The glutathione replenishing Sulfur containing NAC, ALA, Taurine and SAMe, possibly if affordable combined with actual glutathione ( some will be absorbed and the rest will supply building blocks) are good starters for liver protection. TMG also tends to improve liver metabolic performance, since it supplies the Methylgroups needed in numerous biochemical reactions. What you already take is fine too, many of these "supplements ' work in concert and while there are many studies on cells and animals, there are few human trials, since nobody will want to pay for these.
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Addendum: by gauf
B12, B6 and Folic acid
"Protecting against ribavirin-induced anemia. Hemolytic anemia can result from the use of ribavirin in about 10 percent of cases. Folic acid and vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) may protect against ribavirin-induced anemia. The methylation-enhancing effects of both folic acid and vitamin B12 will also improve the liver-protecting effectiveness of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) (Bottiglieri T et al 1994; Swain RA et al 1997). Serum ferritin levels are closely monitored during interferon and ribavirin therapy to ensure that iron levels stay within the normal range. Iron supplements are to be taken only under direction of a healthcare provider."
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Boosting Liver Glutathione Levels
Glutathione is the most important antioxidant used and manufactured by the liver. It kills bacterial invaders, acts as a cellular detoxifier, and helps prevent damage from free radicals. In patients with hepatitis C, particularly those who are HIV positive, a systemic depletion of glutathione is observed, especially in the liver. This depletion may be a factor underlying the resistance to interferon therapy and a biological basis for supplementing with the following nutrients that raise glutathione levels (Moriya K et al 2001):
N-acetyl-cysteine. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is derived from L-cysteine, a conditionally essential amino acid. NAC is more efficiently absorbed and also acts as an antioxidant.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is an effective antidepressant that also helps regenerate normal liver function by increasing glutathione levels and decreasing the activity of free radicals. It is one of the most important liver-protecting substances in the body.
Lipoic acid. This acid is used by almost every tissue in the body as a free-radical fighter. It also helps regenerate other essential antioxidants and acts as a metal chelator.
Whey protein isolate. This protein boosts glutathione levels and improves the functioning of the immune system. The fact that hepatitis C often becomes active in people after they reach the age of 40 indicates that age-associated immune decline plays an important role in the progression of the disease.
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While on tox, I omit some anti inflammatories, i.e. milk thistle, resveratrol, green tea, curcumin.
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