Silyvit-E

Indications

This is a combination of Silymarin (an extract from milk thistle seeds, Silybum marianum) and DL-Alpha Tocopherol (a form of vitamin E). It is used as a supplement to support liver health, for example in fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver damage and chronic hepatitis, usually alongside other treatment and lifestyle changes. Some studies suggest it may improve liver blood tests, but evidence that it changes the course of liver disease is limited.

How It Works

Silymarin is a group of plant compounds (mainly silybin) that act as antioxidants, may help stabilise liver cell membranes, reduce inflammation and support the repair of liver cells. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from damage by free radicals; it has been studied in fatty liver disease. Together they aim to protect liver cells from oxidative stress.

Dosage and Administration

Take as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor, usually with meals. Do not take more than one product containing vitamin E at the same time unless your doctor advises it.

Interactions

• Vitamin E in higher doses may increase the effect of blood thinners such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel or Aspirin, raising the risk of bleeding.
• Silymarin may affect how the liver handles some medicines and may lower blood sugar; people taking diabetes medicines should monitor their sugar levels.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially for the liver, heart or diabetes.

Contraindications

• Known allergy to milk thistle or plants in the daisy family (such as ragweed, marigold, chrysanthemum), or to vitamin E.
• Bleeding disorders or vitamin K deficiency, unless a doctor advises it.

Side Effects

It is usually well tolerated. Possible effects include stomach upset, nausea, bloating, loose stools and headache. High doses of vitamin E taken for a long time may increase bleeding risk.

Get urgent medical help if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes that gets worse, vomiting blood, black stools, confusion or severe drowsiness, unusual bleeding, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well studied. Use only if a doctor advises it.

Precautions and Warnings

• Liver disease needs proper medical care. This supplement is not a substitute for stopping alcohol, weight loss, or medicines prescribed for hepatitis.
• Stop taking it two weeks before planned surgery, because of the vitamin E content.
• People with hormone-sensitive conditions should ask a doctor first, as milk thistle may have weak oestrogen-like effects.

Overdose

Large amounts may cause stomach upset and diarrhoea, and very high vitamin E intake may cause bleeding. Contact a doctor if much more than the advised amount has been taken.

Therapeutic Class

Herbal / nutritional supplement (liver support, antioxidant).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.