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National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

5 Things You Should Know About Dietary Supplements for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by a virus. It is usually chronic (long-lasting), but most people do not have any symptoms until the virus causes liver damage, which can take 10 or more years to happen. Without medical treatment, chronic hepatitis C can eventually cause liver cancer or liver failure. Conventional medical treatments are available for chronic hepatitis C. Some people with hepatitis C also try complementary health approaches, especially dietary supplements.

If you are considering a dietary supplement for hepatitis C, here are some things you should know.

  1. No dietary supplement has been shown to be effective for hepatitis C or its complications.

  2. The dietary supplement most commonly used for hepatitis C is silymarin, an extract from milk thistle. However, current research suggests that it is no better than a placebo (an inactive substance) as a treatment for hepatitis C.

  3. The evidence on probiotics, zinc, and glycyrrhizin for hepatitis C is limited. None of these dietary supplements has clearly been shown to be helpful.

  4. Antiviral medicines can cure most cases of chronic hepatitis C. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has information about the treatment of hepatitis C and its complications. 

  5. Check with your health care provider before using any dietary supplement to make sure that it is safe for you and compatible with any medical treatment that you are receiving for hepatitis C or any other health problem.