The only authorised claim about the liver
Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, choline has three authorised claims:
- Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function.
- Choline contributes to normal lipid metabolism.
- Choline contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
The condition is the same for all three: at least 82.5 mg of choline per single portion, which is the daily dose. Choline is not a vitamin, but the EU treats it like a nutrient with a defined threshold. Citicoline is a different compound used for other purposes and does not carry the choline claims, so it is not in this category.
Milk thistle and the other ingredients
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed and its extract silymarin, as well as turmeric, dandelion root, yellow dock and inositol, have no authorised EU health claim. No product in this category may promise that it protects, cleanses or detoxifies the liver, and we do not write it. We describe these products by the plant part, the amount and the standardisation printed on the label.
Products in this category
| Product | Main ingredient per portion | Form | Label dose | Choline claim threshold (82.5 mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solgar Choline 350 mg | 350 mg choline (bitartrate) | capsule | 1 capsule | met |
| NOW Foods Choline and Inositol 250 mg / 250 mg | 250 mg choline, 250 mg inositol | capsule | 1 capsule | met |
| Swanson Choline and Inositol | 250 mg choline, 250 mg inositol per capsule | capsule | 1 to 2 capsules | met |
| NOW Foods Silymarin Milk Thistle with Turmeric | 900 mg extract (80% silymarin) per 6 capsules, with turmeric | capsule | 2 to 6 capsules | no choline |
| Swanson Full Spectrum Milk Thistle Seed, 500 mg | 500 mg seed per capsule | capsule | 4 to 6 capsules (2000 to 3000 mg) | no choline |
| Swanson Milk Thistle, Dandelion and Yellow Dock | 700 mg milk thistle, 250 mg dandelion root, 250 mg yellow dock per 2 capsules | capsule | 2 capsules | no choline |
How to compare milk thistle products
Compare the plant part first. The Swanson single herb is ground seed, while the NOW Foods product is a standardised extract. An extract states what percentage is silymarin; ground seed does not, so milligrams of seed and milligrams of extract cannot be compared directly. The milk thistle products here take 2 to 6 capsules a day, so compare the price per day, not the pack price.
Choline and inositol together
Choline and inositol are often sold together in a 1:1 ratio, and both Swanson and NOW Foods use 250 mg of each. Only choline carries an authorised claim. Pure inositol products are listed on the inositol page.
Warnings on the labels
The NOW Foods milk thistle and turmeric capsule is for adults only and is not for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It asks people with a gallbladder function disorder or on medicines to consult a doctor first. Turmeric extracts are the reason for that caution. The Swanson blend should not be taken with kidney stones, intestinal obstruction, bile duct obstruction or gallbladder problems. The choline products ask pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people taking medicines to consult a doctor. A supplement does not replace treatment: if you have a liver condition, talk to your doctor before taking anything new.
Frequently asked questions
Which liver supplement has an authorised EU claim?
Only choline, when a portion contains at least 82.5 mg. Solgar and the two choline and inositol products meet that amount.
Does milk thistle have an authorised claim?
No. The EU has not authorised a claim for milk thistle or silymarin, so no milk thistle product may promise anything about the liver.
Can I take milk thistle with medicines?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist first.
Is there a daily dose of choline?
The EU has not set a nutrient reference value for choline, so labels show milligrams without a percentage. Follow the label dose.
Can I use these products for a hangover or alcohol?
We do not make claims of that kind. No supplement makes drinking safe.
Sources
- Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (authorised health claims)
- EU Register of nutrition and health claims
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Choline
- NCCIH: Milk thistle
- EFSA: Health claims
Content reviewed by Inese Kalniņa, dietitian.
2026-08-29