Evidence supporting the use of: Bovine liver
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Bovine liver has been traditionally used as a nutritional supplement to support convalescence, which is the period of recovery following illness or medical treatment. This use is rooted primarily in its rich nutrient profile, especially its high content of protein, vitamin B12, iron, and other B vitamins, which are all crucial for rebuilding strength, energy, and blood health after illness. Historically, organ meats like liver were prized in many cultures and prescribed by physicians for patients recovering from anemia, fatigue, and general debility. The logic was that eating nutrient-dense animal organs could help restore vitality and replenish lost nutrients.
Scientific validation for the use of bovine liver specifically in convalescence is limited, but the nutrients it provides are well-documented as essential for recovery. Iron and vitamin B12, for example, are critical for red blood cell production and can help address anemia—a common issue during recovery. The high protein content supports tissue repair. However, there are no large-scale clinical trials directly examining bovine liver supplementation in convalescent patients. Thus, while the traditional rationale is strong and the nutritional science is supportive in theory, there is a lack of direct modern clinical evidence confirming its effectiveness in this specific context.
In summary, the use of bovine liver for convalescence is primarily justified by tradition and by its dense nutritional content, with moderate indirect scientific support based on the roles of its nutrients in recovery.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Other health conditions supported by bovine liver
AnemiaAppetite (deficient)
Convalescence
Fatigue
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Pernicious Anemia
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Wasting