Beef organ supplements contain a blend of cow organs that are freeze-dried and powdered. They have gained popularity in the health and wellness community as a nutrient powerhouse and for their purported ability to boost energy levels.
Some types of organ meats used in beef organ supplements include the fallopian tubes, heart, kidney, liver, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, spleen, testicle, and uterus.
1. May Boost Energy Levels
Beef liver is a rich source of iron and vitamin B12. Getting too little iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia, causing symptoms like weakness, tiredness, and low energy. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia, causing tiredness and weakness.
Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency is also linked to megaloblastic anemia. As the main folate storage organ, the liver offers a good dietary source of vitamin B9.
Specific nutrients play a vital role in energy production. However, research supporting that beef organ supplements boost energy is lacking. If you feel unusually tired, visit your healthcare provider to rule out medical conditions such as sleep apnea.
2. May Support Immune Function
Beef liver is a rich source of zinc, a nutrient that helps your immune system fight off bacteria and viruses.
Vitamin A is naturally found in organ meats such as the liver. It is vital for the normal functioning of eye health and essential for maintaining immune function.
Besides zinc and vitamin A, the liver is a valuable source of vitamin D, which helps promote the immune system's health.
3. May Promote Healthy Skin
Beef liver contributes to skin health through its supply of vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes the elasticity of the skin and stimulates the regeneration of collagen fibers and cellular repair. It is also known for its antibacterial and exfoliating properties. Derivatives of vitamin A, such as isotretinoin, can treat acne.
4. May Support Brain Health
Beef liver, chicken liver, eggs, and other food sources have some of the highest choline content. Choline is a nutrient that helps regulate memory and other functions, including mood and muscle control.
One study found that pregnant women who consumed 930 milligrams (mg) of choline per day had children with higher memory spans than those who consumed 480 mg of choline per day. Due to its high vitamin A content, pregnant people should exercise caution when eating liver meat.
No clinical evidence suggests that you will obtain these same benefits from beef organ supplements or that they support brain health.
5. May Enhance Muscle Recovery
Protein is essential for repairing and building muscles.
Liver is high in protein, and so is the kidney, which provides all essential amino acids. The kidney is also rich in vitamin B12, selenium, iron, copper, phosphorus, and zinc.
6. May Provide Antioxidants
Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is a compound found in animal organs, particularly the heart. It has antioxidant and immune system-boosting properties and reduces inflammatory markers, which benefits people with heart failure and heart disease.
Are They Safe?
Despite the potential nutritional benefits of organ supplements, exercise caution if you:
- Are allergic to beef or organ meats: Avoid beef organ meats if you are allergic to beef products or any of the components in beef organ supplements. Make sure you check product labels and ingredient lists.
- Have high cholesterol or heart disease: High cholesterol is associated with an increased riskof heart and blood vessel problems. Due to their cholesterol content, moderate consumption of organ meats is recommended.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding: Taking too much vitamin A while pregnant can cause congenital disabilities. Consult with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are at risk of vitamin A toxicity: Because beef liver is high in vitamin A, excessive intake can cause severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, muscle aches, and problems with coordination. In severe cases, too much vitamin A can be fatal.
- Are at risk of toxin exposure: Animal organs may contain heavy metals, and residual pesticides have been found in cattle parts such as the liver, tongue, muscle, and kidney.
- Have gout: Purine in food breaks down into uric acid. High uric acid levels in the blood can lead to gout. If you have gout, you may wish to avoid high-purine foods such as organ meats.
Who Should Consider Beef Organ Supplements?
Little research currently supports the use of beef organ supplements. With some exceptions, most people can meet their nutrient needs through a well-balanced diet. Because beef organ supplements are nutritionally rich, they may benefit people with low energy levels or nutrient deficiencies.
However, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting beef organ supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Dosage
Clinical research on beef organ supplements is lacking, so the dosage is unclear.Make sure you review the manufacturer's directions. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further guidance.
How to Choose High-Quality Beef Organ Supplements
When choosing beef organ supplements, look for the following:
- Grass-fed and pasture-raised cows
- Freeze-dried processing (which preserves the nutrients)
- No fillers, artificial ingredients, or ingredients that prevent clumping (flow agents)
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such asthe National Sanitation Foundation (NSF),U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), orConsumerLab.com. For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare provider,registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Summary
Beef organs are nutrient-dense, providing a source of protein along with many vitamins and minerals. However, research on how beef organ supplements affect health is lacking.
Due to potential side effects and risks, talk to your healthcare provider before starting beef organ supplements.
