Liquid liver fractions (Bos taurus)
Synopsis
Liquid liver fractions refer to nutrient-rich extracts derived from animal liver—most commonly from beef—prepared in liquid or semi-liquid form for nutritional or therapeutic use. These extracts are concentrated sources of bioavailable vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and peptides, particularly vitamin B12, iron, folate, vitamin A, choline, and heme proteins that support red blood cell formation, energy metabolism, liver function, and overall vitality.
Modern liquid liver fractions are often used in nutritional therapies for anemia, chronic fatigue, malnutrition, and post-illness recovery, especially in individuals with poor absorption or increased nutritional needs. Unlike synthetic vitamins, liver fractions offer nutrients in a whole-food matrix, enhancing absorption and compatibility with the body. They are often formulated to be free of fat and cholesterol, emphasizing the nutrient-dense water-soluble components.
Some products are derived using low-heat processing to preserve enzymatic activity and peptide integrity. These are typically delivered in drops, ampoules, or liquids and are occasionally found in sports nutrition for endurance support, or in naturopathic and functional medicine protocols for adrenal or immune support.
Historical Use:
The use of liver as a healing food dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese regarded liver as a medicinal organ, prescribing it for weakness, poor vision, and blood loss. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), liver from animals was consumed to "nourish the liver organ system" and blood, especially in cases of fatigue or anemia-like symptoms.
In Greco-Roman medicine, Hippocrates and later Galen recommended liver for treating “consumption” (possibly tuberculosis or wasting diseases) and eye disorders, long before the discovery of vitamin A. Liver was considered a strengthening food for warriors, pregnant women, and the sick across many cultures.
By the early 20th century, liver gained formal medical attention. In 1926, George Whipple, George Minot, and William Murphy discovered that eating large amounts of raw liver could cure pernicious anemia, a deadly condition caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. This research eventually led to the development of B12 injections, but also to the widespread therapeutic use of liver extract, especially in liquid form, for treating fatigue, low iron, and anemia. Liquid liver fractions became a staple in naturopathic and organotherapy practices, particularly in Europe and North America.
Today, while raw liver consumption has declined, liquid liver fractions remain a respected nutritional therapy—offering a concentrated, easily absorbed form of vital micronutrients, especially for those recovering from illness, undergoing intense physical training, or seeking to support blood health and mitochondrial function.
Body Systems
Blood (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Liver (Science)
Mitochondria (Science)