Bovine liver (bos taurus (liver tissue))
Synopsis of bovine liver
Bovine liver, the liver tissue of cows, is one of the most nutrient-dense organ meats, revered for its rich supply of vitamins, minerals, and bioavailable proteins. Often called a “natural multivitamin,” it has been used for centuries in traditional diets and medicine to support blood health, energy, fertility, detoxification, and overall vitality. Bovine liver is particularly high in vitamin A, B12, iron, and folate, making it especially beneficial for people with fatigue, anemia, or nutrient depletion.
Nutritional highlights of bovine liver include:
- Vitamin A (retinol) – essential for vision, immunity, skin regeneration, and hormonal function
- Vitamin B12, folate, riboflavin, and other B vitamins – support red blood cell formation, nervous system health, and methylation
- Iron (heme form) – highly absorbable and critical for oxygen transport and preventing anemia
- Choline – supports liver detoxification, brain function, and cell membrane integrity
- Copper, zinc, and selenium – trace minerals that aid immunity, antioxidant defense, and enzyme activity
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – supports mitochondrial energy and cardiovascular health
Bovine liver is available as:
- Cooked organ meat (lightly sautéed or pâté)
- Desiccated and freeze-dried capsules or powders, often used in glandular therapy or ancestral nutrition protocols
Health benefits include:
- Combating anemia and chronic fatigue
- Supporting detoxification and liver function
- Enhancing fertility and hormonal health
- Boosting immune resilience and skin regeneration
- Rebuilding strength and vitality after illness or pregnancy
Historical Use:
Bovine liver has been a cornerstone in traditional diets across cultures, including Native American, European, and Asian practices. It was commonly given to pregnant women, warriors, and the sick for rapid recovery and nourishment. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, liver is thought to nourish the blood and support the liver and eyes, particularly in cases of deficiency or weakness.
In the early 20th century, liver became one of the first natural remedies for pernicious anemia, prior to the isolation of vitamin B12. It was also a key ingredient in early “tissue extracts” used in naturopathic and integrative medicine to rebuild weakened systems.
Today, bovine liver is prized in ancestral and functional health circles for its dense concentration of essential nutrients in their most bioavailable form, making it a powerful whole-food supplement for restoring energy, preventing deficiency, and supporting systemic health across life stages.
Bovine liver is used for these health conditions
Anemia (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Pernicious Anemia (Scientific)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Scientific)
Wasting (Scientific)
bovine liver is used to support these body systems
Adrenal Cortex (Traditional)
Adrenal Glands (Traditional)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Hepatic System (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nails (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
