Frequently Asked Questions about Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle

Why would I want to take Maximum Milk Thistle^® or UltraThistle^®?

Because they provide the greatest support for the liver at the best price. No other milk thistle product can compare.*

Anyone who has a need or desire for maximum liver cell protection and wants to get the most for their investment can benefit from taking both Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle.*

This includes people who live or work in a toxic environment, persons who are taking recreational or pharmaceutical drugs on a regular basis, those who are moderate to heavy drinkers of alcohol, and anyone with a liver condition that may threaten the integrity of liver cells.

All of these situations can put stress on the liver and would call for greater support and protection of this very important organ.

I can get regular standardized milk thistle extract for much less money elsewhere, so why would I choose Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle instead?

According to clinical studies, both Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle are absorbed eight to ten times more effectively than regular standardized milk thistle extract.*

If you choose to use a standardized extract, you may be paying less for the bottle, but you are paying much more for what actually reaches your liver.

So, while it looks like you are paying less for regular standardized milk thistle extract (and you are per bottle) you are actually paying much more if you measure based on effectiveness. This is a clear case of “you get what you pay for.”

How much more absorbable is Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle compared to milk thistle extract standardized to 80% silymarin?

Clinical studies have shown the Phytosome form used in Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle to be eight to ten times more absorbable.

This means you would need that much more of the other to achieve the same level of protection in your liver.

Are Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle available in health food stores?

While not available through some of the large retailers, Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle are currently available through LiverSupport.com (a Natural Wellness^® Company) as well as some smaller pharmacies and health stores. The most convenient way to purchase both Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle is online through our site.

What is the difference between Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle? Which one should I take?

Here is a comparison between these two products:

Learn even more about UltraThistle versus Maximum Milk Thistle

Who manufactures Silybin Phytosome, the active ingredient in Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle?

An internationally respected European medicinal/botanical research company is the developer, patent holder and manufacturer.

They have been on the forefront of herbal medicinals since 1921. They sell over 2,000 pounds of Silybin Phytosome, the world’s most highly effective natural liver protector, each year.

We purchase the raw material directly from the manufacturer and encapsulate and bottle Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle in state-of-the-art, cGMP facilities in the United States.

How much is recommended to take per day?

Three capsules per day is the recommended dosage. With 90 capsules per bottle, each bottle is essentially a one-month supply.

How was the recommended dosage determined?

The recommended dosage for Maximum Milk Thistle was determined by reviewing the clinical studies and choosing the median dosage that was shown to have a beneficial effect under physically adverse conditions.

The same studies indicated that a higher dosage could have a greater beneficial effect. The highest dosage tested was 360 mg (as silybin) daily, therefore UltraThistle was developed.

Does milk thistle really lower enzyme levels by protecting liver cells, or does it just help the body break down the enzymes so they appear reduced?

All clinical studies in this area, both in vitro (petri dishes, test tubes, etc.) and in vivo (live subjects), have shown that milk thistle extract reduces enzyme levels by actually protecting liver cells and reducing hepatocellular necrosis (liver cell death).

Does any milk thistle extract actually kill hepatitis viruses?

No. Milk thistle has no anti-viral effects.

It has been scientifically shown to protect liver cells from damage and help to regenerate liver cells.

For tens of thousands of people worldwide with liver concerns this is reason enough to take milk thistle products on a daily basis.

Can Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle reverse cirrhosis of the liver?

Milk thistle is not intended to treat any condition or disease. It has been shown in clinical studies to protect liver cells from damage and help regenerate liver cells.

Cirrhosis is generally considered an irreversible condition that can sometimes be slowed or halted depending upon the severity and cause.

For example, cirrhosis caused by alcohol consumption can sometimes be stopped in its tracks by the complete removal of alcohol from the diet.

This you need to discuss with your primary healthcare provider.

Are Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle safe?

The German Commission E Monographs (considered by doctors to be the bible of herbal effectiveness and safety) states there are no known contraindications for using milk thistle extract. Additionally, there is no known toxicity level.

One study has noted that an ingredient in milk thistle can inhibit the bacterial enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, which helps oral contraceptives work. Therefore, milk thistle could potentially reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Consult your medical professional prior to use if you have, or suspect you have, a medical condition, are currently taking prescription drugs, or are pregnant or lactating.

How long can I safely take Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle?

The clinical studies showed no detrimental effect from long–term usage. In fact, they indicated a sustained beneficial effect with long–term usage.

So, for as long as you want to provide protection to your liver, you can take Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle.

Should I take Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle with meals or between meals?

Other milk thistle products recommend you take them with meals because they hope it will increase absorption.

Because Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle were created through the Phytosome process (where one molecule of silybin is bound to two molecules of phosphatidylcholine) the body recognizes it as a food and easily assimilates it (takes it in) on its own.

We, therefore, recommend it be taken between meals so it can be digested and absorbed on its own for maximum delivery to the liver. However, it is not a problem to take it with meals if that is easier or more convenient for you.

Can I take Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle if I am on Interferon^® or other Hepatitis C treatment?

There are no known interactions with milk thistle and other drugs or herbs.

You may want to educate your primary healthcare provider about the fact that milk thistle has been shown to lower elevated enzyme levels by protecting liver cells.

This way they can be aware that both Maximum Milk Thistle and UltraThistle could very well contribute to lower enzyme levels.

They may want to take that into account while evaluating clinical progress.

Are there any contraindications to using Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle?

According to the clinical data, there is no medical reason not to take milk thistle extract of any kind. (See the answer to the first question dealing with safety, especially the information on the German Commission E Monographs). Please know that milk thistle (silymarin) may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, therefore backup birth control methods should be used while taking Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle.

Should I tell my doctor I am taking Maximum Milk Thistle or UltraThistle?

Yes, by all means, and refer your doctor to the clinical studies and the other relevant information included on this website if he/she is unfamiliar with milk thistle and its uses and benefits.

If your doctor is closed-minded about herbal or other natural approaches, perhaps you should get a second opinion from a physician who takes a more integrative approach to healthcare.

What kind of guarantee do you provide?

Our products are guaranteed to give you 100% satisfaction in every way. If you are not completely satisfied with a product you purchased from us for any reason, return it to us within 90 days of purchase, and we will issue you a complete refund of the purchase price (less shipping and handling).

For any nutritional product you try for the first time, in addition to refunding you the purchase price, we will refund your shipping and handling, AND we will even pay for the return shipping back to us. Your health is our primary concern. We take the risk out of trying something new.

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