Goals ›

Organ function

The work of the liver, kidneys, eyes, ears and nerves.

Strongest evidence: Fish oil, Omega-3 fatty acids and Hyaluronic acid.

Supplements for organ function

Each supplement gets the grade of its strongest organ function benefit. Open one to see each benefit.

StrongModerateWeakNo trials
SupplementMain effects in studiesEvidenceBenefits studied
Fish oilVisual acuity + retinal function, ROP risk -16%Strong2 of 5
Omega-3 fatty acidsAMD risk ↓, Dry eye/vision ↑Strong2 of 5
Hyaluronic acidStaining/symptoms -3 pts, Tear stability/production +2sStrong1 of 5
RiboflavinKeratoconus flattening +1.5 D, Cataract reduction −43%Strong3 of 5
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)AMD risk ↓, Visual acuity ↑Strong2 of 5
Vitamin ADark vision +11.8%, Vitamin A status↑Strong1 of 5
Vitamin DFalls/balance improved, Neuropathy risk lowerStrong1 of 5
MagnesiumAutonomic/stress ↓; catecholamines, Seizures/neurology ↓; +40%Strong1 of 5
LuteinMacular pigment + vision, AMD risk ↓ ~9%Strong1 of 5
Vitamin B12Symptom relief, +33% nerve, Nerve function, B12↑ homocysteine↓Strong1 of 5
Showing 10 of 129 supplements.

What organ function covers

5 benefits that studies measure, and the supplements with the strongest evidence for each.

Liver support

How well the liver is working and whether its cells are under strain. It is measured by the enzymes ALT, AST and GGT in blood, by bilirubin, and by liver fat on imaging.

56 supplements, 13 strong
  1. GlutathioneStrong, 62
  2. Omega-3 fatty acidsStrong, 60
  3. AlanineStrong, 59
  4. Fish oilStrong, 59
  5. N-Acetyl CysteineStrong, 32

Urinary comfort

The urinary tract: burning, urgency, frequency and getting up at night. It is measured on symptom questionnaires and by the number of urinary tract infections over time.

18 supplements, 5 strong
  1. Saw PalmettoStrong, 49
  2. Sodium BicarbonateStrong, 36
  3. CranberryStrong, 30
  4. LycopeneStrong, 15
  5. NettleStrong, 11

Eye health

Vision and the condition of the eye, including the retina, the lens and the tear film. It is measured by visual acuity, by contrast sensitivity, by macular pigment density and by dry-eye scores.

45 supplements, 13 strong
  1. Hyaluronic acidStrong, 91
  2. Fish oilStrong, 86
  3. Omega-3 fatty acidsStrong, 84
  4. Vitamin AStrong, 84
  5. LuteinStrong, 75

Ear health

Hearing and the condition of the inner ear, including tinnitus and balance. It is measured by audiometry for hearing thresholds and by rated severity for ringing.

3 supplements, 0 strong
  1. D-SerineModerate, 3
  2. Ginkgo BilobaModerate, 3
  3. MulleinWeak, 2

Nerve health

The condition of the nerves and how well they carry signals. It is measured by nerve conduction studies, and by symptom scores for numbness, tingling and nerve pain.

40 supplements, 17 strong
  1. Vitamin DStrong, 81
  2. MagnesiumStrong, 79
  3. Vitamin B12Strong, 73
  4. CalciumStrong, 65
  5. PotassiumStrong, 55

Protocols for organ function

What studies used, for this goal or for a group of people. Not advice: talk to a doctor first.