Short answer: choline is the ingredient in many liver supplements with an authorised GB liver claim: it contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function when the conditions of use are met. Milk thistle, artichoke and NAC should be compared by their exact form and amount, not by “detox” promises.
Commercial disclosure
We sell LIVERenew, which contains choline, artichoke and NAC. This guide separates authorised nutrient claims from factual ingredient descriptions.
Ingredients at a glance
| Ingredient | What to check | What can safely be concluded |
|---|---|---|
| Choline | Actual choline provided, not only choline-bitartrate weight | May claim maintenance of normal liver function and normal lipid metabolism when conditions are met |
| Milk thistle | Seed/fruit extract, extract ratio and standardised silymarin amount | A common botanical; the label details allow comparison but do not prove a treatment outcome |
| Artichoke | Leaf, extract ratio/equivalent and any declared cynarin standardisation | Describe its presence and specification without claiming it treats liver or gallbladder disease |
| NAC | Actual N-acetyl-L-cysteine amount per serving | Its medicinal use in overdose care does not authorise “liver detox” claims for food supplements |
| Turmeric, beetroot, dandelion, burdock | Plant part, powder/extract and individual quantity | Formula components; quantity alone does not establish benefit |
Actual choline versus choline-compound weight
A label may say “choline bitartrate 700mg” or “choline 100mg”. Those numbers are not interchangeable: the first can be the weight of the complete compound, while the second describes the choline it provides.
For a fair comparison, look for the actual quantity of choline. The authorised claim’s beneficial effect is obtained with at least 82.5mg of choline per day.
How should milk thistle extracts be compared?
“Milk thistle 4,000mg equivalent” can describe the starting-herb equivalent rather than the weight of extract in the capsule. The most useful label states:
- the extract weight;
- the extraction ratio or equivalent amount; and
- the standardised silymarin contribution, where applicable.
Do not compare a powder weight with an extract equivalent as if both were the same measure.
What does artichoke “standardised to cynarin” mean?
Standardisation means the ingredient is specified to provide a stated proportion or minimum amount of a marker compound. It helps identify the material consistently; it does not, by itself, establish that a capsule will treat a symptom or condition.
Why is NAC often misunderstood?
NAC is used medically in specific circumstances, including paracetamol overdose, at clinical doses under professional supervision. That is not evidence that a low-dose multi-ingredient food supplement performs the same job. Compare the supplement’s actual NAC amount and only the claims authorised for that product.
How is LIVERenew declared?
Each current capsule provides 85.8mg choline and 8.6µg biotin. It also provides artichoke leaf extract equivalent to 4,800mg, standardised to a minimum 2.5% cynarin; black aged garlic and turmeric equivalent to 500mg each; beetroot equivalent to 420mg; and individually declared amounts of the remaining ingredients, including 20mg NAC.
LIVERenew does not contain milk thistle. Its liver claim comes from choline, not from borrowing claims associated with other formulas.
Label checklist
- Actual choline supplied per recommended daily intake.
- Amounts shown per capsule and per daily serving.
- Plant part, extract ratio and standardisation.
- Warnings relevant to pregnancy, medicines, gallstones or other health conditions.
- No promise to cleanse, repair or reverse liver disease.
- Clear manufacturer, batch, best-before and contact information.
Related guides
- Liver health basics and NHS advice
- UK liver supplements compared
- Which supplement health claims are legal?
Sources
- Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register
- GOV.UK supplement and health-claims guidance
- NHS: liver disease
Written by: Barry Lees, founder of The Health Improvers
Last reviewed: 2 August 2026
Food supplements are not substitutes for a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle and should not be used to self-treat suspected liver disease.
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