Maximum milk thistle is a nutritional supplement containing 240 mg capsules of milk thistle. Milk thistle is derived from the Silybum adans plant, and contains silymarin, a flavonoid which may help repair liver cells that have been damaged due to toxins or disease. Milk thistle is used for many health benefits, including liver and gall bladder health, and has also been used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Despite its potential benefits, side effects may occur. Consult your physician before using any supplement containing milk thistle.
Digestive Distress
According to the book, "Anabolic Primer," the most commonly reported side effects of milk thistle use are related to its absorption and digestion. Some individuals may have difficulty absorbing milk thistle, which may cause gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms of gastrointestinal distress include upset stomach, persistent stomach cramps, nausea, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. These effects may be less severe, or avoided entirely, if you ingest milk thistle with food and water. Taking milk thistle on an empty stomach may increase your risk for developing digestive side effects.
Allergic Reaction
Although rare, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to milk thistle. An allergic response to milk thistle occurs when your body incorrectly perceives it as toxic compound, and increases natural histamine levels to remove it from your body. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to milk thistle include the appearance of hives or a rash, itching, swelling of your face and neck, difficulty breathing, increased sweating, and an increased heart rate. An allergic reaction to milk thistle is considered a medical emergency, seek medical attention immediately if you start experiencing any of these symptoms.
Drug Interactions
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, milk thistle supplements may have adverse reactions when taken with certain medications. In particular, individuals who are taking anti-psychotics, seizure medications, allergy drugs, drugs for high cholesterol, anti-anxiety medications, anti-platelet drugs, and some cancer drugs should not use milk thistle. Milk thistle may interfere with the absorption or expression of these medications, blocking their effects on your body and increasing the risk of developing side effects.
Other Considerations
Milk thistle supplements are generally well-tolerated in most individuals, with mostly mild side effects. Rare side effects of milk thistle include a loss of appetite, gas, heartburn, and joint pain. Milk thistle may also lower blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes or hypoglycemia. MayoClinic.com also states that milk thistle may have estrogenic effects in women with sensitive hormone conditions, therefore, caution must be used in women who are taking hormones for low estrogen.
References
- "Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport"; Melvin H. Williams; 2002
- "Anabolic Primer"; Phil Embleton and Gerard Thorne; 1998
- UMMC; Milk Thistle; Steven D. Ehrlich: 2009
- The Mayo Clinic; Milk Thistle; 2011
Member Comments