chrisTheChemist
New member
Hi all! There are numerous liver support products available today, each claiming to protect against liver damage caused by anabolic steroid use. Given the overwhelming options, I decided to review some scholarly articles and summarize the key findings in a clear and practical way.
Liver toxicity from steroids is not a widely studied issue in the medical community, likely because it affects a relatively small population. However, understanding how steroids impact the liver can help users make informed decisions about protection.
Key Factors in Liver Toxicity
Liver toxicity is closely tied to how well the liver can metabolize a steroid. The less the liver can process a steroid, the more toxic it becomes. Additionally, the more androgenic (male hormone-like) and less anabolic (muscle-building) a steroid is, the more likely it is to cause liver damage. While liver toxicity is most commonly associated with oral steroids, it’s important to note that injectable steroids can also be harmful, though typically to a lesser degree.
One of the most liver-toxic steroids is mibolerone (often sold as Cheque Drops). It is not metabolized by the liver and is excreted in its unchanged form. The mechanism behind liver damage from C17 alpha-alkylation, a chemical modification common in oral steroids, is not fully understood. However, it is believed that this modification blocks the liver's natural breakdown process, leading to liver damage. The higher the androgenic properties of an oral steroid, the more toxic it appears to be to the liver.
How Steroids Cause Liver Damage
Steroids impair bile flow in the liver. They cause liver cells to swell and accumulate bile that would normally be secreted into the digestive tract. This condition, known as cholestasis, leads to increased levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT) in the bloodstream, signaling liver distress. The bile acids that accumulate in the liver are toxic, causing liver cell death and inflammation. Over time, if enough liver cells die, bile ducts can be destroyed.
Not all bile acids are equally toxic, and some, like Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), can be beneficial.
Effective Liver Support: The Best Supplements
TUDCA: This bile acid is the most potent liver support supplement currently available. TUDCA helps the liver produce enzymes that break down toxic bile acids, making them less harmful. It can also prevent liver cell death (apoptosis) and promote proper bile secretion. For those using oral steroids, TUDCA can significantly reduce liver toxicity. Recommended dosing is 500 mg per day during a cycle that includes oral steroids. However, it should not be used for more than 8 weeks at a time due to potential negative effects on lipid levels.
Milk Thistle: While it’s a great general liver health supplement due to its antioxidant properties and liver tissue regeneration abilities, milk thistle does not specifically address cholestasis (bile buildup). It’s an excellent choice for overall liver health, but it’s less effective against the specific damage caused by oral anabolic steroids.
Essentiale Forte: This phospholipid complex, produced by Sanofi-Aventis, helps the liver clear toxic bile acids and is a good alternative to TUDCA. It is one of the best options for liver support when TUDCA is not available.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): NAC supports the production of Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the liver. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating cholestasis and is often marketed in preparations with poor bioavailability.
Liv-52: This is a blend of antioxidants known for supporting general liver health. However, it does not specifically address cholestasis or the damage caused by oral steroids.
Conclusion
For effective liver protection while on oral anabolic steroids, TUDCA is the gold standard. It is the most potent and scientifically supported option available. For general, year-round liver support, Milk Thistle remains an excellent choice.
If you’ve used any of these liver protectants, or have other experiences or insights to share, feel free to contribute!
Liver toxicity from steroids is not a widely studied issue in the medical community, likely because it affects a relatively small population. However, understanding how steroids impact the liver can help users make informed decisions about protection.
Key Factors in Liver Toxicity
Liver toxicity is closely tied to how well the liver can metabolize a steroid. The less the liver can process a steroid, the more toxic it becomes. Additionally, the more androgenic (male hormone-like) and less anabolic (muscle-building) a steroid is, the more likely it is to cause liver damage. While liver toxicity is most commonly associated with oral steroids, it’s important to note that injectable steroids can also be harmful, though typically to a lesser degree.
One of the most liver-toxic steroids is mibolerone (often sold as Cheque Drops). It is not metabolized by the liver and is excreted in its unchanged form. The mechanism behind liver damage from C17 alpha-alkylation, a chemical modification common in oral steroids, is not fully understood. However, it is believed that this modification blocks the liver's natural breakdown process, leading to liver damage. The higher the androgenic properties of an oral steroid, the more toxic it appears to be to the liver.
How Steroids Cause Liver Damage
Steroids impair bile flow in the liver. They cause liver cells to swell and accumulate bile that would normally be secreted into the digestive tract. This condition, known as cholestasis, leads to increased levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT) in the bloodstream, signaling liver distress. The bile acids that accumulate in the liver are toxic, causing liver cell death and inflammation. Over time, if enough liver cells die, bile ducts can be destroyed.
Not all bile acids are equally toxic, and some, like Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), can be beneficial.
Effective Liver Support: The Best Supplements
TUDCA: This bile acid is the most potent liver support supplement currently available. TUDCA helps the liver produce enzymes that break down toxic bile acids, making them less harmful. It can also prevent liver cell death (apoptosis) and promote proper bile secretion. For those using oral steroids, TUDCA can significantly reduce liver toxicity. Recommended dosing is 500 mg per day during a cycle that includes oral steroids. However, it should not be used for more than 8 weeks at a time due to potential negative effects on lipid levels.
Milk Thistle: While it’s a great general liver health supplement due to its antioxidant properties and liver tissue regeneration abilities, milk thistle does not specifically address cholestasis (bile buildup). It’s an excellent choice for overall liver health, but it’s less effective against the specific damage caused by oral anabolic steroids.
Essentiale Forte: This phospholipid complex, produced by Sanofi-Aventis, helps the liver clear toxic bile acids and is a good alternative to TUDCA. It is one of the best options for liver support when TUDCA is not available.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): NAC supports the production of Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the liver. However, it has limited effectiveness in treating cholestasis and is often marketed in preparations with poor bioavailability.
Liv-52: This is a blend of antioxidants known for supporting general liver health. However, it does not specifically address cholestasis or the damage caused by oral steroids.
Conclusion
For effective liver protection while on oral anabolic steroids, TUDCA is the gold standard. It is the most potent and scientifically supported option available. For general, year-round liver support, Milk Thistle remains an excellent choice.
If you’ve used any of these liver protectants, or have other experiences or insights to share, feel free to contribute!
