Milk thistle is sometimes taken as a natural treatment for liver problems.

Unfortunately, most milk thistle supplements contain less than the labeled amount of silymarin.

Here are the highlights.

• Out of 10 milk thistle supplements, 2 failed to properly list the part of the milk thistle plant used — a FDA requirement.
• Among the remaining supplements, only one contained the expected amount of silymarin compounds.

The bottom line?

Consumers buy milk thistle supplements to help treat certain liver diseases as well as type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, average consumers are wasting their money on milk thistle products that mislead about their contents.

You’ll have to subscribe to get more details. I have no connection with ConsumerLab.com. However, I think they provide a valuable service.

12/3/09 20:45 JR