Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Essential Liver Health Formula Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by CATALO

Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Essential Liver Health Formula is a dietary supplement by CATALO with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for replacing fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration during exercise or illness, treating low blood sodium (under medical care).Based on those ingredients, 1,094 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Milk Thistle Extract, Natural, Sodium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Essential Liver Health Formula by CATALO

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Solec Essential Phospholipids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (660 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

CATALO's Essential Liver Health Formula contains three active ingredients. Phosphatidylcholine is a compound found in cell membranes that has been studied for ulcerative colitis (where it shows possibly effective evidence) and fatty liver disease, though evidence for liver conditions remains inconclusive.

Sodium is an essential mineral included in the formula; the amount and role here isn't specified in the label details we have. Milk thistle extract is a traditional herbal ingredient studied mainly for type 2 diabetes support, where the evidence rates as possibly effective.

The formula also contains several inactive ingredients — flaxseed oil, gelatin, beeswax, and other standard capsule materials.

Does it work?

Insufficient evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: promote liver health and detoxification.
  • We looked for evidence on: Alcohol-related liver disease, Chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity, Hepatic encephalopathy, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Milk Thistle is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alcohol-related liver disease (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Milk Thistle is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity, Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and more.

For the active ingredients in this formula, the evidence picture is mixed. Phosphatidylcholine shows possibly effective evidence for ulcerative colitis, but the evidence for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease is insufficient — we simply don't have enough reliable data to say whether it helps.

Milk thistle extract is possibly effective for type 2 diabetes, but for alcohol-related liver disease, liver health, and other conditions it's sometimes marketed for, the evidence isn't established in our data. The effectiveness of this combination for general liver health specifically is not rated in the information we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Phosphatidylcholine Milk Thistle

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Phosphatidylcholine is generally well tolerated, though at high doses it may cause digestive upset including bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. When taken by mouth, it may also cause altered taste, itching, or sweating.

Milk thistle is well tolerated in most adults; mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or indigestion occur but typically no more often than with placebo. Rare allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported.

Some people report headache, dizziness, or sleep disturbances. Sodium is essential in small amounts, but too much is linked to high blood pressure and heart strain — the safety notes advise against sodium supplements or very high intake without medical guidance.

Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding: choline (from phosphatidylcholine) is needed in pregnancy, but supplement safety beyond food sources is not well studied — check with your doctor. Milk thistle should be avoided during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data.

Breastfeeding safety data for both phosphatidylcholine and milk thistle is limited; speak with your healthcare provider first.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Phosphatidylcholine Milk Thistle

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Milk Thistle, Sodium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,095 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners like warfarin, antidiabetes drugs, blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), lithium, corticosteroids, morphine, cancer or transplant medications (sirolimus, ledipasvir), antivirals (sofosbuvir), or any drugs metabolized by the liver. These are the medication types documented to interact with ingredients in this formula.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This formula may be worth considering if you're interested in herbal liver support and have no contraindicated medications, but the evidence for liver health specifically is thin. If you take any blood thinners, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, lithium, corticosteroids, or antiviral medications, you need to check your exact drugs with the interaction tool before starting.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor — especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a diagnosed liver condition.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Essential Liver Health Formula, straight from the product label.

Brand CATALO
Net contents 30 Softgel(s); 47.7 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 303045
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Essential Liver Health Formula by CATALO, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3182 mg
Maximum serving Sizes:
3182 mg
Servings per container
15
IngredientAmount% DV
Protein0.3 Gram(s)--
Total Fat1.9 Gram(s)--
Carbohydrates0 Gram(s)--
Saturated Fat0.1 Gram(s)--
Trans Fat0 Gram(s)--
Phosphatidylcholine420 mg--
Sugars0 Gram(s)--
Energy19 Kcal--
Sodium2 mg--
Solec Essential Phospholipids660 mg--
Milk Thistle Extract, Natural210 mg--

Other ingredients: Flaxseed Oil, Natural, Gelatin, Humectant, Water, Purified, Yellow Beeswax, Natural, Caramel, Powder

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

CATALO Essential Liver Health Formula contains Solec Essential Phospholipid, each serving provide 420mg Phosphatidylcholine which helps promote regeneration of damaged liver cells and enhance liver metabolism and detoxification. This product is specially formulated with Natural Milk Thistle Extract and provide extra antioxidative property which helps protect liver cells from harmful substances.

Formulation

Main Functions: Promote repair and regeneration of liver cells, enhance liver functions Improve liver detoxification, protect liver from alcohol, cigarette and other harmful substance Maintain liver cell integrity Relieve fatigue and stress Promote liver health, stressful life, lack of rest, frequent dining out, unhealthy diet, frequent drinkers and smokers, passive smokers

Clinically Proven Enhance Liver Health Parris M. Kidd. (1996). Alt Med Rev, 1(4); 258-274

This product is made from natural sources and may have color variation. This is a normal phenomenon and does not affect product quality. Made in USA

Brand IP Statement(s)

Solec is a trademark of Solae, LLC

General Statements

Blister Pack Stay fresh

Net Weight: 47.7g (1591mg x 30 softgels)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Serving Directions: For adults with normal dosage, take 2 softgels daily. For adults with fast-acting dosage, take 2 softgels twice daily. Take after meal.

Storage

Storage: Keep in dry and cool place. Avoid direct sunlight.

Seals/Symbols

Current Good cGMP Manufacturing Practices Efficacy Natural Quality Potency Safety

See for yourself

Essential Liver Health Formula by CATALO label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Essential Liver Health Formula by CATALO

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3182 mg Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container15 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Protein

0.3 Gram(s) per serving

Carbohydrates

0 Gram(s) per serving

Energy

19 Kcal per serving

Sodium

Interacts with
205 drugs
2 mg per serving

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets g...

Sodium monograph & interactions

Solec Essential Phospholipids

660 mg per serving

Milk Thistle Extract, Natural

Interacts with
954 drugs
210 mg per serving

Milk thistle is a popular herbal supplement most often used for liver health, and its main active component is a group of compounds called silymarin....

Milk Thistle Extract, Natural monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Flaxseed Oil, Natural, Gelatin, Humectant, Water, Purified, Yellow Beeswax, Natural, Caramel, Powder. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Essential Liver Health Formula by CATALO Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Essential Liver Health Formula?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,094Drugs
458 Moderate 636 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sodium 205

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Essential Liver Health Formula with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Milk Thistle Extract, Natural17 drug types · 954 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Taking milk thistle with antidiabetes drugs may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research shows that milk thistle extract, alone or along with tree turmeric extract, can lower blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those already taking antidiabetes drugs. Additionally, animal research shows that milk thistle extract increases the metformin maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve and decreases the renal clearance of metformin, due to inhibition of the multi-drug and toxin extrusion protein 1 (MATE1) renal tubular transport protein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, milk thistle might inhibit CYP2B6.
An in vitro study shows that silybin, a constituent of milk thistle, binds to and noncompetitively inhibits CYP2B6. Additionally, silybin might downregulate the expression of CYP2B6 by decreasing mRNA and protein levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, milk thistle might affect the clearance of drugs that undergo glucuronidation.
Laboratory research shows that milk thistle constituents inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation. Theoretically, this could decrease the clearance and increase levels of glucuronidated drugs. Other laboratory research suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin might inhibit beta-glucuronidase, although the significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ledipasvir

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the levels and clinical effects of ledipasvir.
Animal research in rats shows that milk thistle increases the area under the curve (AUC) for ledipasvir and slows its elimination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Morphine

Theoretically, concomitant use of milk thistle with morphine might affect serum levels of morphine and either increase or decrease its effects.
Animal research shows that milk thistle reduces serum levels of morphine by up to 66%. In contrast, laboratory research shows that milk thistle constituents inhibit uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase (UGT), the major phase 2 enzyme that is responsible for glucuronidation. Theoretically, this could decrease the clearance and increase morphine levels. The effect of taking milk thistle on morphine metabolism in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Raloxifene (Evista)

Theoretically, milk thistle might decrease the clearance and increase levels of raloxifene.
Laboratory research suggests that the milk thistle constituents silibinin and silymarin inhibit the glucuronidation of raloxifene in the intestines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sirolimus (Rapamune)

Milk thistle might decrease the clearance of sirolimus.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that a milk thistle extract of silymarin decreases the apparent clearance of sirolimus in hepatically impaired renal transplant patients. It is unclear if this interaction occurs in patients without hepatic impairment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sofosbuvir (Solvaldi)

Theoretically, milk thistle might decrease the levels and clinical effects of sofosbuvir.
Animal research in rats shows that milk thistle reduces the metabolism of sofosbuvir, as well as the hepatic uptake of its active metabolite.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase tamoxifen levels and interfere with its conversion to an active metabolite.
Animal research suggests that the milk thistle constituent silibinin might increase plasma levels of tamoxifen and alter its conversion to an active metabolite. The mechanism appears to involve inhibition of pre-systemic metabolism of tamoxifen by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9 and CYP3A4, and inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of tamoxifen into the intestine for excretion. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the effects of warfarin.
In one case report, a man stabilized on warfarin experienced an increase in INR from 2.64 to 4.12 after taking a combination product containing milk thistle 200 mg daily, as well as dandelion, wild yam, niacinamide, and vitamin B12. Levels returned to normal after stopping the supplement. Although a direct correlation between milk thistle and the change in INR cannot be confirmed, some in vitro research suggests that milk thistle might inhibit cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of various drugs, including warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

It is unclear if milk thistle inhibits CYP2C9; research is conflicting.
In vitro research suggests that milk thistle might inhibit CYP2C9. Additionally, 3 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are CYP2C9 substrates, including imatinib and capecitabine. However, contradictory clinical research shows that milk thistle extract does not inhibit CYP2C9 or significantly affect levels of the CYP2C9 substrate tolbutamide. Differences in results could be due to differences in dosages or formulations utilized.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

It is unclear if milk thistle inhibits CYP3A4; research is conflicting.
While laboratory research shows conflicting results, pharmacokinetic research shows that taking milk thistle extract 420-1350 mg daily does not significantly affect the metabolism of the CYP3A4 substrates irinotecan, midazolam, or indinavir. However, 8 case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates, including gefitinib, sorafenib, doxorubicin, and vincristine.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, milk thistle might interfere with estrogen therapy through competition for estrogen receptors.
Animal research suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin binds to estrogen receptor beta.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, milk thistle might interfere with statin therapy by decreasing the activity of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATB1B1) and inhibiting breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).
Preliminary evidence suggests that a milk thistle extract of silymarin can decrease the activity of the OATP1B1, which transports HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors into the liver to their site of action, and animal research shows this increases the maximum plasma concentration of pitavastatin and pravastatin. The silibinin component also inhibits BCRP, which transports statins from the liver into the bile for excretion. However, in a preliminary study in healthy males, silymarin 140 mg three times daily had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a single 10 mg dose of rosuvastatin.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Theoretically, milk thistle may induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzymes and increase the metabolism of indinavir; however, results are conflicting.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking milk thistle (Standardized Milk Thistle, General Nutrition Corp.) 175 mg three times daily in combination with multiple doses of indinavir 800 mg every 8 hours decreases the mean trough levels of indinavir by 25%. However, results from the same pharmacokinetic study show that milk thistle does not affect the overall exposure to indinavir. Furthermore, two other pharmacokinetic studies show that taking specific milk thistle extract (Legalon, Rottapharm Madaus; Thisilyn, Nature's Way) 160-450 mg every 8 hours in combination with multiple doses of indinavir 800 mg every 8 hours does not reduce levels of indinavir.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Milk thistle may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP-B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP-B1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that milk thistle inhibits OATP-B1. Two case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking milk thistle and cancer medications that are OATP substrates, including sorafenib and methotrexate. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, milk thistle might increase the absorption of P-glycoprotein substrates. However, this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
In vitro research shows that milk thistle can inhibit P-glycoprotein activity and 1 case report from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describes increased abdominal pain in a patient taking milk thistle and the cancer medication vincristine, a P-glycoprotein substrate, though this patient was also taking methotrexate. However, a small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking milk thistle (Enzymatic Therapy Inc.) 900 mg, standardized to 80% silymarin, in 3 divided doses daily for 14 days does not affect absorption of digoxin, a P-glycoprotein substrate.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

Sodium7 drug types · 205 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, a high intake of dietary sodium might reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
High intake of dietary sodium can increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Also, high intake of sodium may necessitate increased use of antihypertensive medications to achieve blood pressure control in some patients, such as those with chronic kidney disease.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Corticosteroids

Concomitant use of mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) cause sodium retention. This effect is dose-related and depends on mineralocorticoid potency. It is most common with hydrocortisone, cortisone, and fludrocortisone, followed by prednisone and prednisolone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Didanosine (Videx)

Concomitant use of didanosine with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Didanosine formulations contain a significant amount of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Lithium

Altering dietary intake of sodium might alter the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
High sodium intake can reduce plasma concentrations of lithium by increasing lithium excretion. Reducing sodium intake can significantly increase plasma concentrations of lithium and cause lithium toxicity in patients being treated with lithium carbonate. Stabilizing sodium intake is shown to reduce the percentage of patients with lithium level fluctuations above 0.8 mEq/L. Patients taking lithium should avoid significant alterations in their dietary intake of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Sodium Phosphates

Theoretically, concomitant use of sodium phosphate with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Use of high doses (> 45 mL in 24 hours) of sodium phosphate, such as those used for bowel cleansing before surgery, can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances, including hypernatremia. The risk of hypernatremia is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sodium-Containing Drugs

Concomitant use of sodium-containing drugs with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia and long-term sodium-related complications.
The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level of 2.3 grams of sodium daily indicates the intake at which it is believed that chronic disease risk increases for the apparently healthy population. Some medications contain high quantities of sodium. When used in conjunction with sodium supplements or high-sodium diets, the CDRR may be exceeded. Additionally, concomitant use may increase the risk for hypernatremia; this risk is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolvaptan (Samsca)

Theoretically, concomitant use of tolvaptan with sodium might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Tolvaptan is a vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist that is used to increase sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. Patients taking tolvaptan should use caution with the use of sodium salts such as sodium chloride.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Essential Liver Health Formula, from the product label.

CATALO

See all CATALO products
Name
CATALO Natural Health USA Inc.
City
City of Industry
State
CA
ZipCode
91748
Web Address
CATALO.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Essential Liver Health Formula by CATALO: Common Questions

Does Essential Liver Health Formula by CATALO interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Essential Liver Health Formula has a known interaction with 1,094 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Essential Liver Health Formula contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is milk thistle safe to take if I'm pregnant?
No — the safety data advises against milk thistle use during pregnancy due to insufficient reliable information. Phosphatidylcholine contains choline, which your body needs in pregnancy, but supplement safety beyond what's in food is not well studied. Talk with your doctor before taking this product if you're pregnant.
Can this formula help my fatty liver disease?
Phosphatidylcholine has been studied for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it helps. Milk thistle is studied mainly for diabetes, not fatty liver. If you have a diagnosed liver condition, your doctor should be involved in choosing a supplement.
What side effects might I notice from milk thistle?
Mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or indigestion are the most common — though they typically don't occur more often than with placebo. Some people report headache, dizziness, or sleep disturbances. Rare allergic reactions have been reported.
What are the inactive ingredients in this softgel?
The softgel contains flaxseed oil, gelatin, beeswax, water, a humectant, and caramel powder — all standard capsule materials and excipients.
Is it safe to take this if I'm on a blood pressure medication?
Not without checking first. The sodium in this formula can theoretically reduce how well blood pressure medications work, and milk thistle may interact with certain drugs. Run through the interaction checker with your exact medication before starting.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Essential Liver Health Formula label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Essential Liver Health Formula's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 122 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Phosphatidylcholine 15 references
  1. Domino EF, May WW, Demetriou S, et al. Lack of clinically significant improvement of patients with tardive dyskinesia following phosphatidylcholine therapy. Biol Psychiatry 1985;20:1189-96. PubMed
  2. Aronson PJ, Lorincz AL. Promotion of palmar sweating with oral phosphatidylcholine. Acta Derm Venereol 1985;65:19-24. DOI
  3. Hexsel DM, Serra M, de Oliveira Dal'Forno T, et al. Cosmetic uses of injectable phosphatidylcholine on the face. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2005;38:1119-29. PubMed
  4. Kopera D, Binder B, Toplak H, et al. Histopathologic changes after intralesional application of phosphatidylcholine for lipoma reduction: report of a case. Am J Dermatopathol 2006;28:331-3. PubMed
  5. Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of lower lid bulging due to prominent fat pads. Dermatol Surg 2001;27:391-2. PubMed
  6. Rotunda AM, Kolodney MS. Mesotherapy and phosphatidylcholine injections: historical clarification and review. Dermatol Surg 2006;32:465-80. PubMed
  7. Hexsel D, Serra M, Mazzuco R, et al. Phosphatidylcholine in the treatment of localized fat. J Drugs Dermatol 2003;2:511-8.
  8. Hasengschwandtner F. Phosphatidylcholine treatment to induce lipolysis. Cosmet Dermatol 2005;4:308-13. PubMed
  9. Rittes PG. The use of phosphatidylcholine for correction of localized fat deposits. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2003;27:315-8. PubMed
  10. Ablon G, Rotunda AM. Treatment of lower eyelid fat pads using phosphatidylcholine: clinical trial and review. Dermatol Surg 2004;30:422-7. PubMed
  11. Loguercio C, Andreone P, Brisc C, et al. Silybin combined with phosphatidylcholine and vitamin E in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial. Free Radic Biol Med 2012;52(9):1658-65. PubMed
  12. Panos, J. M., Palson, R., Johnson, R., Portmann, B., and Williams, R. Polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine for acute alcoholic hepatitis: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial. Eur.J.Gastroenterol 1990;2:351-355.
  13. Stremmel W, Braun A, Hanemann A, Ehehalt R, Autschbach F, Karner M. Delayed release phosphatidylcholine in chronic-active ulcerative colitis: a randomized, double-blinded, dose finding study. J Clin Gastroenterol 2010;44(5):e101-7. PubMed
  14. Stremmel W, Ehehalt R, Autschbach F, Karner M. Phosphatidylcholine for steroid-refractory chronic ulcerative colitis: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(9):603-10. PubMed
  15. Stremmel W, Vural H, Evliyaoglu O, Weiskirchen R. Delayed Release Phosphatidylcholine is Effective for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Meta-Analysis. Dig Dis 2021;39(5):508-515. PubMed

See these in context on the Phosphatidylcholine monograph →

Sodium 38 references
  1. Garabedian-Ruffalo SM, Ruffalo RL. Drug and nutrient interactions. Am Fam Physician 1986;33:165-74.
  2. Food and Drug Administration Science Background: Safety of Sodium Phosphates Oral Solution. September 17, 2001. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/safety/sodiumphospate.htm
  3. Coton T, Mallaret C, Coilliot C, Carre D, Guisset M. Severe acute ulcerated gastritis induced by salt. Presse Med 2009;38(3):499-500. PubMed
  4. Frings-Meuthen P, Buehlmeier J, Baecker N, et al. High sodium chloride intake exacerbates immobilization-induced bone resorption and protein losses. J Appl Physiol 2011;111(2):537-542. PubMed
  5. Frings-Meuthen P, Baecker N, Heer M. Low-grade metabolic acidosis may be the cause of sodium chloride-induced exaggerated bone resorption. J Bone Miner Res 2008;23(4):517-524. PubMed
  6. Alam S, Johnson AG. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) among healthy normotensive and essential hypertensive elderly patients to determine the effect of high salt (NaCl) diet of blood pressure. J Hum Hypertens 1999;13(6):367-74.
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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