The global market for beef liver supplements was valued at $816.5 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.03% from 2024 to 2030. 1Liver Health Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Vitamins & Minerals, Herbal Supplements), By Dosage Form (Capsules, Tablets, Liquids, Powders, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030. Grand View Research. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/liver-health-supplements-market#:~:text=The%20global%20liver%20health%20supplements,natural%20support%20for%20liver%20function
What is driving the popularity of beef liver supplements? Interest in these supplements isn’t new; it has been steadily increasing over several decades. Did you know that the dietary supplement industry began with just two products? Those products were brewers’ yeast and beef liver, also known as desiccated liver. “Desiccated” means dehydrated, a process typically done at low temperatures to remove moisture while preserving nutrient value. Early fitness guru Jack LaLanne promoted the benefits of beef liver supplements, highlighting their rich content of several naturally occurring nutrients.
Recently, interest in beef liver has experienced a resurgence, making it a worthwhile consideration for your product line.
Key Nutrients in Beef Liver
Beef liver is a reasonable source of key vitamins, including vitamin A, niacin, folate, choline and vitamin B12.2Beef liver, braised. U.S Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service. FoodData Central. FDC Published:10/30/2020. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1098653/nutrients. Beef liver also provides meaningful amounts of iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and selenium.3Beef liver, braised. U.S Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service. FoodData Central. FDC Published:10/30/2020. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1098653/nutrients. Additionally, beef liver is a great source of protein. 4Cooperman T. What is desiccated beef liver? What is it used for, and is it safe? ConsumeLab.com. Updated November 10, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/desiccated-beef-liver/beef-liver/#:~:text=Nutrients%20in%20desiccated%20beef%20liver&text=For%20instance%2C%20Desiccated%20Liver%20by,mg%20of%20dried%20beef%20liver).
Key Vitamins in Beef Liver
If you’re curious about the benefits of beef liver supplements, it’s important to know that the vitamins in beef liver play crucial roles in human health and wellness.
- Vitamin A helps regulate the growth and specialization of nearly all cells in the body. It is essential for embryonic development, organ formation during fetal growth, normal immune functions, and the development of the eyes and vision.5Vitamin A. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-A.
- Niacin is needed to help make NAD, a coenzyme needed for energy production, as well as for the health of the skin, digestive and nervous systems.6Niacin. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/niacin.
- Folate is critical in the metabolism of nucleic acid precursors and several amino acids, for methylation reactions, and to prevent certain types of anemia and birth defects.7Folate. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/folate.
- Choline is a vitamin-like essential nutrient, and a methyl donor involved in many physiological processes, including normal metabolism and transport of lipids, methylation reactions, and neurotransmitter synthesis.8Choline. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/choline.
- Vitamin B12 plays essential roles in folate metabolism, the synthesis of the citric acid cycle, for healthy red blood cells, for homocysteine metabolism and for DNA integrity.9Vitamin B12. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B12.
Key Minerals in Beef Liver
In addition, beef liver supplement benefits can also be found in each of these minerals:
- Iron is an essential component of hundreds of proteins and enzymes that support essential biological functions, such as oxygen transport, energy production, and DNA synthesis.10Iron. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iron.
- Phosphorus is an essential structural component of cell membranes and nucleic acids but is also involved in several biological processes, including bone mineralization, energy production, cell signaling through phosphorylation reactions, and regulation of acid-base homeostasis.11Phosphorus. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/phosphorus.
- Potassium is critical for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.12Potassium. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/potassium. Zinc is a nutritionally essential mineral needed for the body’s catalytic, structural, and regulatory functions.13Zinc. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/zinc.
- Copper is an essential co-factor for energy (ATP) production, iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and neurotransmission.14Copper. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/copper.
- Selenium exerts various biological functions mainly as part of the amino acid, selenocysteine, which is found in at least 25 selenocysteine-containing proteins, as well as for nutrient interactions with copper (as superoxide dismutase), zinc (as superoxide dismutase), and iron (as catalase).15Selenium. Oregon State University. Linus Pauling Institute, Micronutrient Information Center. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/selenium.
Protein
Are there additional benefits of beef liver capsules related to their nutrient content? Yes!
Beef liver provides over 90% protein by dry weight.16Cooperman T. What is desiccated beef liver? What is it used for, and is it safe? ConsumeLab.com. Updated November 10, 2020. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/desiccated-beef-liver/beef-liver/#:~:text=Nutrients%20in%20desiccated%20beef%20liver&text=For%20instance%2C%20Desiccated%20Liver%20by,mg%20of%20dried%20beef%20liver). In comparison, it has relatively low amounts of fat and carbohydrates. 17Beef liver, braised. U.S Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service. FoodData Central. FDC Published:10/30/2020. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/1098653/nutrients. Protein is essential for good health. The term “protein” comes from the Greek word proteos, which means “primary” or “first place.” Protein helps repair and build your body’s tissues, drives metabolic reactions, maintains pH and fluid balance, and supports a strong immune system. It also plays a role in transporting and storing nutrients and can serve as an energy source. 189 Important Functions of Protein in Your Body. Healthline. Retrieved October 10, 2024 from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/functions-of-protein.
How Beef Liver Supplements Can Support Health
Beef liver offers a range of health benefits. These include promoting healthy energy levels, supporting muscle growth and repair, providing oxygen-rich nutrients, and enhancing skin and bone health. Additionally, beef liver aids in detoxification and is a valuable source of antioxidant nutrients, along with many other important nutrients mentioned earlier.
Promote Healthy Energy Levels
Beef liver has been a popular supplement among Olympic athletes since the 1950s, helping them gain a competitive edge.19Grivetti LE, et al. From ancient Olympia to modern Atlanta: celebration of the Olympic Centennial. (symposium on nutrition and physical performance) Nutrition Today (1996) 31(6):241(9). For decades, doctors have also administered vitamin B12 shots to boost energy levels. Many nutrition-focused physicians previously recommended desiccated liver to their patients because it is rich in B12, iron, and other essential nutrients that help increase energy and stamina.20Langer S. Energizers: moving mind & body. Better Nutrition for Today’s Living (1995) 57(8):40(3). Furthermore, early experiments by Dr. D.B. Ershoff showed that adding desiccated liver to the diets of laboratory animals boosted their endurance by nearly 750%. 21Langer S. Cutting edge nutrition for athletic women. Better Nutrition for Today’s Living (1994) 56(5):40(4).
Promote Muscle Growth and Repair
Given the fact that beef liver is a superior source of protein, it can be beneficial for muscle growth and repair. According to the Cleveland Clinic22Is beef liver good for you? Cleveland Clinic. July 5, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2024 from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/beef-liver-benefits., bodybuilders and powerlifters have been eating beef liver and taking beef liver supplements since at least the 1930s when experts first touted the liver’s ability to promote muscle gains. Additionally, protein helps deliver oxygen to red blood cells, which increases your energy during workouts.
Oxygenating Nutrients
Liver contains three key nutrients which are important for oxygenation. As previously mentioned, these nutrients are vitamin B12, Iron, and copper.
Vitamin B12 is required to create succinyl-CoA, which then enters the citric acid cycle and plays an important role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the primary protein found in red blood cells and represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron23Shane B. Folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6. In: Stipanuk M, ed. Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of Human Nutrition. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co.; 2000:483-518.. The vital role of hemoglobin in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body is derived from its unique ability to acquire oxygen rapidly during the short time it spends in contact with the lungs and to release oxygen as needed during its circulation through the tissues. Copper -dependent enzymes participate in iron metabolism, making this nutrient important as well for its role in oxygenation 24Turnlund JR. Copper. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross A, Caballero B, Cousins RA, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Baltimore: Lipincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006:289-299..
Skin Health
Beef liver is a primary dietary source of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)25Schagen SK, Zampeli VA, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):298-307. doi:10.4161/derm.22876. CoQ10 has been shown to help reduce oxidative stress26Gül I, Gökbel H, Belviranli M, Okudan N, Büyükbaş S, Başarali K. Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in plasma after repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise: the effect of coenzyme Q10. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2011 Jun;51(2):305-12. 27Sakata T, Furuya R, Shimazu T, Odamaki M, Ohkawa S, Kumagai H. Coenzyme Q10 administration suppresses both oxidative and antioxidative markers in hemodialysis patients. Blood Purif. 2008;26(4):371-8., which is important because premature skin aging can occur when the skin—our outermost organ—is constantly exposed to environmental oxidants. This exposure can significantly impact social life28Ayunin, Q., Miatmoko, A., Soeratri, W. et al. Improving the anti-ageing activity of coenzyme Q10 through protransfersome-loaded emulgel. Sci Rep 12, 906 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-04708-4. Additionally, CoQ10 levels in the skin decline with age29Passi S, De Pità O, Puddu P, Littarru GP. Lipophilic antioxidants in human sebum and aging. Free Radic Res. 2002 Apr;36(4):471-7., making it beneficial to consume sources of CoQ10, such as beef liver, to promote healthy skin.
Bone Health
In research30ULMANSKY M. THE EFFECT OF “MEAT DIET” ON LONG BONES OF MICE. Am J Pathol. 1965;47(3):435-445. conducted on mice, those fed a diet consisting solely of muscle meat developed osteoporosis. Not surprisingly, adding calcium carbonate prevented or cured this condition. Interestingly, the inclusion of beef liver (without calcium carbonate) also prevented or cured osteoporosis. It will be intriguing to see if future research finds similar effects in humans.
Detoxification
Can beef liver support the body’s detoxification process? Potentially.
The liver is a primary organ for detoxification in the body 31Bruno G. Detoxification Support Nutraceuticals. Vitamin Retailer. November 2020: 38-42, 49.. Therefore, it can be argued that supporting liver health also supports detoxification—and beef liver may help with this. In one in-vitro or “test tube” study32Nelson C, et al. Glycerophosphorylethanolamine (GPEA) identified as an hepatocyte growth stimulator in liver extracts. Experimental cell research (1996) 229(1):20-6., a liver extract was found to work synergistically with growth factors to stimulate the growth of liver cells.
But would this work in the body since the liver supplement would presumably be broken down into amino acids before being absorbed?
The fact is that not all ingested proteins need to be broken down into individual amino acids before they can be absorbed. Research has shown that approximately five percent of the protein load delivered to the small intestine is not broken down into amino acids in the gut; instead, it passes into the circulatory system as intact smaller protein molecules33Hemmings, W.A., et al, Gut (1978) 19: 715..
High in Antioxidants
As previously mentioned, beef liver is a source of vitamin A, zinc, and selenium.
Vitamin A has been recognized as an effective dietary antioxidant that promotes heart health34Palace VP, Khaper N, Qin Q, Singal PK. Antioxidant potentials of vitamin A and carotenoids and their relevance to heart disease. Free Radic Biol Med. 1999;26(5-6):746-761. doi:10.1016/s0891-5849(98)00266-4. Likewise, zinc supplementation has also demonstrated its antioxidant activity by reducing oxidative stress biomarkers in the elderly35Prasad AS. Zinc is an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Agent: Its Role in Human Health. Front Nutr. 2014;1:14. Published 2014 Sep 1. doi:10.3389/fnut.2014.00014. Furthermore, research on selenium has gained significant interest due to its crucial role in antioxidant selenoproteins, which help protect against oxidative stress caused by excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (NOS)36Tinggi U. Selenium: its role as antioxidant in human health. Environ Health Prev Med. 2008;13(2):102-108. doi:10.1007/s12199-007-0019-4. Consequently, beef liver is a meaningful source of at least three antioxidant nutrients.
What Consumers Look for in a Beef Liver Supplement
Desiccation of beef liver should be done at a low temperature to remove moisture and retain nutrient value once it has been tableted or encapsulated. Desiccated liver supplements should also be defatted since it is the fat portion of the liver that tends to store toxins. Furthermore, the savvy consumer who wishes to use desiccated liver should look for a supplement derived from calves, since it is likely that far fewer toxins would be present compared to adult cattle that have had years to store more toxins.
How Can Vitaquest Help You Develop a High-Quality Beef Liver Supplement?
Despite being one of the very first dietary supplements available, the global beef liver supplement market continues to grow. But are beef liver supplements good for you? In short, yes. These supplements provide a rich source of vitamin A, niacin, folate, choline, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, selenium, and protein.
Additionally, the benefits of beef liver supplements include promoting healthy energy levels, supporting muscle growth and repair, supplying oxygen-rich nutrients, and enhancing skin and bone health. They also aid in detoxification and serve as a valuable source of antioxidant nutrients. For all these reasons, beef liver supplements are worth considering as an addition to your product line.
Some of these health benefits, as well as the products and categories they align with, are discussed in more detail in our 2025 Dietary Supplement Manufacturing Trends Guide for brand owners.
Vitaquest is a contract development and supplement manufacturing organization (CDMO) that has provided supplement brands with exceptional supplement research and development, manufacturing, packaging design, particle and powder engineering services using fluid bed, oscillation, and roll compaction technologies, and fulfillment solutions for over 45 years. Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or aiming to diversify your product range, Vitaquest possesses the expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and solutions needed to swiftly and effectively turn your beef liver supplement concept into reality. Vitaquest offers a variety of dosage forms, including capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, melts, and powders. Furthermore, you’ll receive an exceptional level of customer support.
Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards and sustainability practices. Sourcing sustainable ingredients and using eco-friendly manufacturing processes can enhance brand appeal. Our laboratories are GMP-certified by NSF, assuring brand owners and consumers of our commitment to complying with industry regulations and standards. Additionally, we offer Kosher, Halal, and certified organic products, along with FSSC 22000 certification for food safety, which are relevant certifications that support our sustainability efforts.
To learn more about how Vitaquest can help you create unique and innovative beef liver supplement products, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve finalized your project specifications.
