{"id":628249,"date":"2024-06-05T09:30:20","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T13:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628249"},"modified":"2024-11-14T10:01:57","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T15:01:57","slug":"when-to-take-milk-thistle-morning-or-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/when-to-take-milk-thistle-morning-or-night\/","title":{"rendered":"When is the best time to take milk thistle?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Milk thistle (<\/span>Silybum marianum<\/span><\/i>) is a tall plant with purple flowers that belongs to the daisy family. Originally native to Europe, milk thistle can now be found all over the world. The plant\u2019s main active ingredient, an antioxidant called <\/span>silymarin<\/span><\/a>, is responsible for many of the health benefits of milk thistle. Because of this, milk thistle and silymarin are often used interchangeably to refer to the same plant. Milk thistle is sold as a supplement in an oral capsule, tablet, or liquid tincture. Traditionally, milk thistle has been used to support your liver, gallbladder, and kidneys, says <\/span>William Li, MD<\/span><\/a>, a Harvard-trained healthcare provider. It may also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels, Dr. Li adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best time to take milk thistle is at mealtimes or about 15 minutes before your meals. The dosage is often split up and taken two to four times per day, so it may make sense to take milk thistle with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best time to take milk thistle<\/span><\/h2>\n

The best time to take milk thistle is about 15 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That way, it\u2019s easy to remember when you\u2019re supposed to take it. \u201cIt\u2019s generally best to take milk thistle in divided doses, multiple times daily, versus taking it all at once,\u201d says <\/span>Jenna Volpe, RDN<\/span><\/a>, a functional dietitian and clinical herbalist practicing in Austin, Texas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s better to take milk thistle with food rather than on an empty stomach, whether you\u2019re taking a capsule, tablet, or liquid form, Dr. Li says. \u201cTaking milk thistle with food can increase the absorption of its bioactives,\u201d he explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

In some cases, milk thistle may be taken without food. The timing of milk thistle supplements can vary on an individual basis and is best left up to you and your healthcare provider, says Volpe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>How to make sure you absorb your supplements<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How much milk thistle should I take daily?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Like many herbal supplements, there isn\u2019t a standard recommendation for how much milk thistle to take. Before starting milk thistle supplementation, <\/span>it\u2019s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been studied at doses up to 700 mg three times per day for six months without any notable side effects,\u201d Dr. Li says. In <\/span>one study<\/span><\/a>, adults were given 1,260 milligrams (mg) of milk thistle per day. In <\/span>other research<\/span><\/a>, patients were given higher doses of 2,100 mg daily. Stay on the safe side by taking the equivalent of 2 grams of milk thistle per day or less.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is no research that outlines the safety of milk thistle for children, according to <\/span>Mount Sinai<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What should not be taken with milk thistle?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Milk thistle may interact with some medications. It is broken down by enzymes produced by your liver cells, and its common drug interactions are with medications that are broken down by the same liver enzymes.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a>, some of these possible interactions include:<\/span><\/p>\n