Hepatitis C is a serious viral disease that causes severe inflammation to the liver. Phyllis Balch says in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that hepatitis C reduces the liver's ability to properly process and store certain nutrients. As such, certain vitamin and mineral supplements may be beneficial, by helping to reduce nutrient deficiencies. Some vitamin and mineral supplements can be toxic in high doses and they should only be taken under the supervision of a health-care practitioner.
Multi-vitamin and Mineral Complex
Many vitamins and minerals work synergistically, and for the proper absorption of one, another is required. As such, the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, recommends taking a multivitamin and mineral complex daily. However, iron and vitamin A can be toxic to the liver of hepatitis C sufferers, so choose a supplement that does not contain iron or vitamin A.
Vitamin C, E and Selenium
The liver's ability to properly filter toxins is reduced in hepatitis C sufferers, and antioxidants can support the liver by reducing toxic free radicals in the body. Balch says that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and antiviral agent and high doses can cause a dramatic improvement in hepatitis symptoms. Balch suggests taking a total of 5,000 to 10,000 mg of this vitamin daily, unless loose bowels occur, in which case reduce your intake to an amount that does not cause bowel symptoms. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, and Balch says to take 400 IU daily of vitamin E and gradually work up to 1,200 IU daily over the course of a month. For maximum absorption, a vitamin E supplement made from d-alpha-tocopherol is recommended. Selenium is a mineral and it is another important antioxidant. Balch says that studies have shown it to protect against liver cancer. For therapeutic purposes, CSNN suggests taking 200 mcg of selenium daily.
Mixed Antioxidant Supplement
If taking numerous different supplements is too overwhelming to you then CSNN recommends the alternative of taking a mixed antioxidant formula. For the best results CSNN says to look for one that contain a blend of bioflavanoids, coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium.
The B Vitamins
According to Balch and CSNN, all of the B vitamins are essential to normal liver function, and they aid the liver in eliminating toxins from the body. As such, CSNN recommends taking a B-complex supplement with 50 or 100 mg of all of the B vitamins with meals, two to three times daily. Balch adds that vitamin B-12 and folic acid may be especially beneficial, and some hepatitis C sufferers may benefit from super-doses in the form of injections of these two B vitamins. As such, Balch recommends working with a health-care practitioner to assess whether or not injections of B-12 and folic acid would be helpful to you.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; 2008
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