Milk thistle supplements are recommended due to their health benefits and safe ingredients. Those who will benefit most from consuming these capsules are aging adults and people who drink or used to drink alcohol. Probably the most important advantage of milk thistle products is represented by their ability to detox one’s organism and support a healthy liver.
In today’s post, you will discover some of the best quality milk thistle supplements you should consider purchasing in 2018.
Topic Contents
1. Solaray Milk Thistle Extract
These capsules are not very big so they will be easy to swallow but they contain a smaller quantity of milk thistle extract compared to other similar products. They are good for people who deal with liver-related health conditions such as fatty liver or liver cysts. Solaray is one of the best milk thistle supplement brands on the market due to the fact that it contains some other high-quality ingredients as well.
A Few Words About the Manufacturer
Solaray produces and markets more than 1000 different health supplements. The company was launched in 1973 and it was first located in Utah. In 1993, it was acquired by Nutraceutical Corporation which distributes these products all over the United States as well as in 60 other countries worldwide.
What It Contains
- 175 mg of milk thistle extract;
- Milk thistle seed;
- Cellulose;
- Magnesium stearate;
- Maltodextrin;
- Liver support blend made from dandelion root, turmeric root extract, and artichoke leaf.
Pros
- It is a good product which is also effective – its potency is almost guaranteed;
- It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties;
- This supplement is an important source of antioxidants;
- It is fortified with a liver support base.
Cons
- Unlike other similar supplements, Solaray contains a smaller amount of milk thistle extract.
Price
The Solaray product costs between $11 and $16 based on the size of the container. One bottle can come with either 60 vegetarian capsules or 120 servings. Solaray Milk Thistle Seed Extract
2. GNC Herbal Plus Milk Thistle
GNC Milk Thistle is a powerful supplement and it comes in a bottle that will last you for a very long time. The standard container has no less than 300 pills (the recommended dosage is one capsule per day).
The supplement is sold in the form of caplets and it is said to be one of the most effective milk thistle options out there. Basically, we’re talking about a strength-boosting herbal supplement.
A Few Words About the Manufacturer
The product is manufactured by the company known as GNC which was founded back in 1935. It is a popular and highly-appreciated supplement distributor. When you say GNC, you can rest assured that they are following all the required quality control standards in their GMP-certified facilities.
Besides this specific supplement, they also market fitness products, vitamins, minerals, natural remedies, and even superfoods.
What It Contains
- 1300 mg of milk thistle extract (which is a lot);
- Milk thistle seed extract (about 200 mg);
- Cornstarch;
- Cellulose;
- Magnesium stearate.
Pros
- It is a highly effective health supplement;
- Contains plenty of milk thistle extract;
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant;
- It is also suitable for vegetarians;
- This product is manufactured by a company with a very good reputation.
Cons
- These capsules, unlike others, contain corn starch which is a filler;
- It is a bit on the pricey side.
Price
On Amazon, the Herbal Plus Milk Thistle produced by GNC can be purchased for the price of $25 (one container of 60 caplets). Check out the latest prices here!
3. Paradise Herbs Milk Thistle
This supplement, sold by Paradise, is very popular due to the fact that they commercialize tiny pills and although they are very small, one capsule per day is more than enough.
Another thing I like about Paradise is its purity; this product doesn’t contain any additional ingredients whatsoever. It comes in the form of vegetarian capsules and the company uses a natural method to extract the substance of the milk thistle.
A Few Words About the Manufacturer
Paradise Herbs is a well-known brand that specializes in natural remedies, Chinese and tropical herbal and traditional products. The company was founded in 1994 and since then it has dedicated its activity, efforts, and resources to offering premium health supplements that follow nature’s intentions.
What It Contains
In the bottle, you will find vegetarian capsules made from pure milk thistle extract (approximately 250 mg). The substance is mostly sourced from the plant’s seeds.
Pros
- It is a completely safe and natural supplement, being free from allergens, fillers, and other chemicals;
- It is rich in antioxidants;
- This product is manufactured by a reliable company, under the umbrella of a well-known brand;
- The company makes sure the milk thistle they use is naturally grown so the plants don’t contain pesticides, chemical fertilizers or other preservatives.
Cons
- Paradise Milk Thistle is more expensive than other similar supplements but this is understandable when you consider the fact that it is a 100% natural product;
- A few consumers have complained that the product doesn’t deliver everything it claims to offer.
Price
On Amazon, you will find the following two options:
- One small container of 60 capsules – around $13; (Check the latest rates here!)
4. Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle
The supplement provided by Jarrow Formulas is quite famous for passing the ConsumerLabs Survey and no other milk thistle product has managed to achieve that. This survey tests what a milk thistle supplement really contains and demonstrates if a brand is reliable or not.
Don’t let yourself be fooled by the small amount of milk thistle extract the Jarrow supplement contains because one pill per day will suffice. I, personally, enjoy consuming it in an original way: I use to open the capsule and add the powder to my favorite treat which, in my case, is applesauce.
A Few Words About the Manufacturer
Jarrow Formulas is a health supplement manufacturer located near Los Angeles, California. The company was created in 1977. Today, their experts manufacture and sell a wide range of products like minerals, vitamins, probiotics, enzymes, herbs, amino acids, and others. All their supplements are produced only in GMP-certified facilities.
What It Contains
- Milk thistle extract – 150 mg;
- Silicon dioxide;
- Cellulose;
- Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose – which is what the capsules are made of;
- Magnesium stearate.
Pros
- It is an affordable supplement that detoxifies your organism and improves your overall general health;
- Doesn’t contain potentially allergenic elements such as gluten, soy, wheat, shellfish, nuts, etc.;
- It is a non-GMO product;
- Although it doesn’t contain a lot of milk thistle extract, the formula is powerful and concentrated;
- It is an important source of antioxidants that both vegans and vegetarians can consume.
Cons
- This product is affordable and of a decent quality. However, there are many other more powerful and more effective milk thistle supplements on the market;
- Contains a very small amount of milk thistle extract.
Price
You can purchase the Jarrow Formulas Milk Thistle supplement on Amazon. One bottle of 200 capsules costs a little bit over $12 for one-time buyers. If you subscribe, you will only pay $11.81 for the same quantity.
5. Herb Pharm Milk Thistle
Unlike all the other options we have discussed so far, the one made by Herb Pharm comes in a liquid form which helps your body absorb the milk thistle extract a lot easier and quicker. Instead of swallowing a pill, you can pour this liquid into any beverage of your choices like water or juice.
The extract compound contains the exact same phytonutrient ratio that the plan seeds do. Regarding the formulation, this brand has a pretty traditional approach. Don’t forget to shake the container well before using the extract.
A Few Words About the Manufacturer
Herb Pharm specializes in liquid herbal extracts and it was launched on the market in 1979. They provide natural supplements while also applying a more traditional approach to this entire industry. Instead of creating concentrations of extracts, they try to design supplements that mirror the herbs’ composition. Moreover, all Herb Pharm are safe because they don’t contain synthetic solvents.
What It Contains
- Milk thistle extract sourced from the plant’s seeds – 645 mg per serving;
- Distilled water;
- Organic grain alcohol in the amount of 62-72%.
Pros
- The plants used to create this product are both free of pesticides and organically-grown;
- Supports a healthy liver by improving liver functions;
- It is an affordable health supplement;
- It has a verified and certified level of purity;
- Your body will absorb this extract in no time.
Cons
- It is not a standardized product;
- A few consumers complained about its taste
- The formula contains cane alcohol so this can be an issue for certain individuals who suffer from liver-related conditions caused by excessive drinking.
Price
On Amazon, those who are interested in buying this product will find the alternatives listed below:
- A one-ounce bottle costs $12.39;
- A bottle that measures four ounces is sold at the price of $37.28. (Check latest price here)
- The company also markets this product in the form of capsules. One container of 60 pills is $18.85.
6. Gaia Herbs Milk Thistle Seed
This milk thistle supplement made by Gaia Herbs is one of the most effective health products you could find. It is regularly tested for purity in a certified laboratory. Also, it is a great choice for vegetarian people and it is free from gluten and dairy.
Like the product manufactured by Herb Pharms, this one is also a liquid which makes the supplement easy to absorb. Still, the company decided to insert this liquid extract inside phyto-capsules. The recommended daily dosage is three pills instead of one.
A Few Words About the Manufacturer
Gaia Herbs manufactures herbal remedies and they grow their main ingredients on their own farm which is completely organic. Every single herb batch is numbered in order to go through the company’s traceability program. This way, consumers can easily trace their supplements’ sources.
What It Contains
- 450 mg of milk thistle extract;
- Water;
- Vegetable glycerin;
- Chlorophyll vegetable cellulose (this compound is only used to prepare the capsules);
- Non-GMO lecithin.
Pros
- It is a safe and pure health supplement;
- It is completely vegetarian and very potent;
- This supplement is rich in antioxidants and it is easily absorbed by your body;
- It is properly concentrated for silymarin content.
Cons
- Although it is free of dairy and gluten, it does contain soy which can be harmful to allergic people;
- It is a bit more expensive than other interchangeable products.
Price
On Amazon, you will find the following two price options to choose from:
- A small bottle of 60 capsules – $19.50; (Check the latest rates here!)
- A large container of 120 capsules – $32.50. (Check the latest rates here!)
7. NutraBio Milk Thistle
These milk thistle pills are created in GMP-certified facilities located in the United States. Each capsule is tested for both accuracy and purity. NutraBio supplement is stronger and more potent than other milk thistle products.
It is a safe option that doesn’t contain artificial or undeclared ingredients. So, long story short, I have included it in my list of the best quality milk thistle supplements because it is a straightforward product.
A Few Words About the Manufacturer
According to the company’s representatives, NutraBio provides products without making any compromise whatsoever since 1996. They market a large array of items like amino acids, vitamins, proteins, weight-loss supplements, fitness supplements, and more. All these are made in GMP-certified facilities and the company is registered with the FDA.
What It Contains
- 175 or 600 mg of milk thistle extract;
- Vegetable Capsules.
Pros
- It is a safe product made by a reputable company located in the United States;
- Doesn’t contain excipients, fillers, additives, and other artificial ingredients;
- Clients are pleased with the company’s fast delivery service;
- It is a pretty affordable supplement.
Cons
- It contains a small amount of milk thistle. Some consumers might think that 175 mg is not enough per serving;
- There are no proofs backed by science that this supplement will truly make a difference.
Price
You can buy the NutraBio Milk Thistle supplement on Amazon and the price varies depending on the amount of milk thistle the capsules contain:
- A container of 120 capsules (175 mg of milk thistle extract) – $15;
- One bottle of 120 capsules (600 mg of milk thistle extract) – $18.
Let’s Recap
All the milk thistle supplements described in this article are good-quality products. Most of them contain natural ingredients and some are even completely organic and non-GMO which is definitely a significant competitive advantage. According to specialists, it is good to take these types of supplements because milk thistle provides plenty of health benefits:
- It is a source of antioxidants;
- Promotes a healthy liver;
- It might prevent cancer;
- Lowers cholesterol;
- Regulates insulin and glucose levels.
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