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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Milk Thistle vs Omega-3: Omega-3 has the stronger overall evidence (9 vs 6.5/10); they're alternatives for reduce inflammation — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Omega-3 wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
11 of 15 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
18 of 27 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
200-400mg silymarin (standardized extract)
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (70-80% silymarin)
2-3g combined EPA+DHA daily
With meals containing fat
Triglyceride form fish oil
4-8 weeks
8-12 weeks
4 weeks
4-8 weeks
2-4 weeks
Immediate
4-12 weeks
Clinical Efficacy of Curcumin, Resveratrol, Silymarin, and Berberine on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systemic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025) · Meta analysis · n=1337
For HbA1c, silymarin was more effective than resveratrol (MD -2.08, 95%Cl -3.50 to -0.72) (P < 0.05).
Effects of different natural products in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024) · Meta analysis · n=2509
The results of the network meta-analysis showed that artichoke leaf extract confers a relative advantage in reducing the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (SUCRA: 99.1%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (SUCRA: 88.2%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SUCRA: 88.9%).
Are alterations needed in Silybum marianum (Silymarin) administration practices? A novel outlook and meta-analysis on randomized trials targeting liver injury
BMC complementary medicine and therapies (2025) · Meta analysis · n=3545
According to the findings of this meta-analysis silymarin administration showed a significant reduction in AST (SMD [95% CI]: - 0.670 [- 0.931, - 0.408], p-value = 0.000), and ALT (SMD [95% CI]: - 0.912 [- 1.177, - 0.646], p-value = 0.000) levels.
Marine n-3 Fatty Acids and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer
The New England journal of medicine (2019) · Rct · n=25871
During a median follow-up of 5.3 years, a major cardiovascular event occurred in 386 participants in the n-3 group and in 419 in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.06; P=0.24).
Omega-3 fatty acids for intermittent claudication
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=1830
Omega-3 compared with a control may have little to no effect on ankle-brachial index (MD -0.02, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.04; 3 studies, 168 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Nutritional neuroscience (2024) · Meta analysis · n=587
The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicate the efficacy of omega-3 FAs in increasing the serum concentration of BDNF.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing significant ALT/AST reduction. Effect size modest (SMD -0.67 to -0.9). Effectiveness assumes standardized 80% silymarin extract. Lower bioavailability forms may require higher doses.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing EPA-dominant formulas >1g/day most effective. Effects plateau around 2-2.5g. Adjunctive use with antidepressants shows better outcomes than monotherapy.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Omega-3 has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 6.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For reduce inflammation, Milk Thistle has a higher relevance score (95 vs 90).
No known interactions between Milk Thistle and Omega-3 have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
Weight loss is the real treatment; vitamin E/omega-3 have some evidence, milk thistle modest, TUDCA thin.
The honest tier list — proven staples vs situational vs mostly marketing. The hub the other guides feed into.
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Which supplements clash with blood thinners, thyroid meds, antibiotics & more — and what to do.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.