Evidence supporting the use of: Liver
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Liver has a long-standing history of use in both traditional and modern medicine for supporting recovery during convalescence. From a scientific perspective, liver is a dense source of essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, iron (particularly heme iron, which is easily absorbed), vitamin A, B vitamins (especially B12 and folate), and trace minerals such as copper and zinc. These nutrients play crucial roles in tissue repair, immune function, red blood cell production, and energy metabolism—all important aspects during recovery from illness or surgery.
Numerous clinical and nutritional studies have shown that protein and micronutrient deficiencies can impair healing and prolong convalescence, while adequate intake accelerates recovery. Historically, liver extracts were used as a treatment for anemia (notably pernicious anemia before the advent of vitamin B12 injections) and to boost general vitality in weakened patients. Modern research supports the benefit of nutrient-dense foods, such as liver, in addressing deficiencies and supporting overall recovery, particularly in cases where malnutrition or anemia is present.
While there is no direct large-scale clinical trial focusing exclusively on liver as a "convalescent remedy," the scientific rationale is strong due to its unmatched nutrient profile. The use of liver in convalescence is, therefore, primarily supported by scientific understanding of its nutritional value rather than purely by tradition.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
Flat-stem milk-vetch
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Gnaphalium
Glutamine
Glucan peptides
Globulins
Glutathione
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Shellfish
Other health conditions supported by Liver
AnemiaAppetite (deficient)
Bruises (healing)
Convalescence
Debility
Fatigue
Jaundice (adults)
Night Blindness
Pernicious Anemia
Protein Digestion (poor)
Wasting