Your liver produces bile, which helps your body absorb fat. The bile is then emptied into your gallbladder where it is stored until it's needed to help break down food. Without your liver, your body wouldn't be able to process nutrients properly, which is why keeping it healthy is so important. Certain vitamins help keep your liver healthy and functioning properly.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, helps your body convert food into energy and help metabolize fats as well as protein. Vitamin B3 is necessary for a healthy liver, hair, skin and eyes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It also helps improve your blood circulation and reduce cholesterol blood levels. Most people can meet their vitamin B3 needs through diet alone, as vitamin B3 deficiency is rare, according to the UMMC. A mild vitamin B3 deficiency can cause indigestion, vomiting, canker sores and depression. A severe deficiency can cause diarrhea, dementia and cracked, scaly skin. You may also have a swollen, bright red tongue and experience a burning sensation in your mouth. The daily recommended allowance of vitamin B3 is 14mg for adult women and 16mg for adult men.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps keep your liver, as well as many other organs, healthy and functioning properly, according to MedlinePlus. It also helps your body fight infections and illnesses. Vitamin C helps repair tissues within your body as well. Vitamin C contains antioxidants and other healing properties; this is what helps your body resist and fight infections. The antioxidants found in vitamin C helps protect your body, and liver, from free radicals or damage that could destroy organs and tissues. When toxins build up in your liver, it could cause a number of problems such as liver disease or inflammation of the liver. A vitamin C deficiency can lead to weak tooth enamel, nose bleeds, anemia, swollen and painful joints, dry and splitting hair, gingivitis and dry, scaly skin. The daily recommended allowance of vitamin C for women is 75mg per day and 90mg per day for men.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains antioxidant properties which helps strengthen your immune system. It also plays a vital role in your body's metabolic processes and the way it breaks down food, say the experts at MedlinePlus. Vitamin E is found in foods such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and green leafy vegetables. Those who have certain conditions, such as liver disease, may require more vitamin E. Ask your doctor what dosage is appropriate for you.
