When to Take Beef Liver Supplements? Let Me Explain

Beef Liver Supplements: The Best Timing for Peak Health Benefits

Discover the Best Times to Take Beef Liver Supplements for Maximum Benefits. Optimize Your Intake With Science-Backed Tips on Timing!

A common misunderstanding when it comes to beef liver supplements, is that it can be consumed at any moment during the day and still have maximum results.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. While it never loses its entire effect, timing your intake is the best way to optimize the wide range of benefits. Morning, afternoon, or night? With-, of without food? When to time it with your workout? And should you use beef liver supplements every day?

All of these questions are the topic of today, so let’s stop chatting and get to work. I present to you: When to Take Beef Liver Supplements, According to Science!

Beef Liver Supplements: The Best Timing for Peak Health Benefits


Morning, Afternoon, or Night?

Before I dive deep into whether the morning, afternoon, or night is the best time to consume beef liver supplements, I want to emphasize 1 simple word. Supplements. The best way to get in your vitamins B12, B6, B1, A, iron, or folate, is by your regular nutrition. If your maintaining a balanced diet, supplementing is oftentimes not necessary.

With that said, the best time to use beef liver supplements is throughout the whole day. As the recommended amount (RDA) of beef liver is 3000MG, approximately 6-8 capsules are needed. The best way to maximize the effects of your beef liver is by spreading its impact throughout the day. Right?

Experiment Your Way to Glory

As with all hypes, there is little scientific research on the topic. Sure, we know that beef liver supplements are a great addition to a healthy diet, but how, who, and in particular when, is unclear. For that reason, it’s important to experiment in a safe way:

  • During the morning: in combination with your intermittent fasting and your morning coffee, beef liver could be an awesome way to kickstart your day. Some people swear by the fact that the morning is the best moment to take beef liver goodies. However, for some people, beef liver on an empty stomach is quite a bomb. Experiment and listen to the signals of your own body.
  • During the afternoon: everyone knows this; an after-lunch dip. You’re not able to do anything after you’ve eaten your mom’s carb-rich, homemade lunch. Wouldn’t it be great to boost your energy levels with some nutrient-rich supps? Experience will tell you.
  • During the night: you gave today your absolute everything. Your body NEEDS those nutrients. Beef liver and its vitamins & minerals are everything your body needs to regain strength & endurance for tomorrow. Worth a try!

There is no 1-fix-suits-all formula here, and for that reason, it’s best to distribute your intake during the day. For example, if you notice your body responds the best in the morning, try supplementing in a 3-2-1 ratio (when it contains 500MG of beef liver per capsule).

Timing & Tips on Beef Liver Supplements

With- or Without Food?

For me, supplements have worked the best when taken WITH food. Your body is in a state of digestion, absorbing all the nutrients from the meal you’re absorbing. In doing so, it will also benefit from all the vitamins & minerals found in beef liver supplements.

Scientific Research

Typically speaking, vitamin A (which has the highest concentration in beef liver supplements) should be taken with a meal rich in healthy fats. Beef liver supplements are also high in vitamins B12, B2, and B9, meaning it is better taken with food.

However, the 3rd most common mineral found in beef liver is iron, which is better absorbed on an empty stomach. Do not combine a high-calcium food with iron, as this limits iron absorption.

So, from a scientific standpoint, it’s better to take beef liver supplements with food. Not optimal for iron absorption, but consuming 1 capsule on an empty stomach might compensate for this.

Before- Or After Workout?

As a fitness freak, you might also want to know whether it’s best to take beef liver supplements before-, or after your workout. Typically speaking, it’s better to consume beef liver supplements AFTER your workout.

As they are vitamin-mineral-dense, your body uses quite a lot of energy in digesting beef liver supps. If you would be taking beef liver supplements before your workout, chances are you won’t hit peak performance in your workout session.

But this one is very personal. Do not take advice from a fitness & health freak (me) blindly. What worked for me, doesn’t mean it works best for you.

Side Effects of Beef Liver Supplements

Of course, with all good things, bad things come with them. Beef liver supplements are also known for some side effects which I want to emphasize briefly here.

#1: Healthy Detoxificication

There is a lot of crap in our bodies that we don’t even know about yet. Just as what happens after you quit an unhealthy habit (smoking, drinking), your body might give a “allergic” reaction to all of the health benefits beef liver provides.

Beef liver might remove some of the toxins you have in you. But this proces might feel a little unpleasant.

#2: Stomach Issues

Beef liver supplements are not right for everyone.

The high concentration (high vitamin A content) of nutrients may lead to digestive discomfort, especially when taken on an empty stomach.

#3 Excessive Iron Reaction (Only With Iron Metabolism Disorder)

Iron is highly important for blood regulation and circulation. However, too high levels of iron may lead to an allergic reaction to folks with iron metabolism disorder.

Excessive iron may overwhelm your system, leading to digestive issues and discomfort.

So if you’re familiar with any of these things, ease up on the beef liver supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for beef liver supplements to work?

To see any noticeable results, 2-3 weeks of consistent supplementation is needed to feel and see the benefits. However, to see any results in regards to blood tests, 2-3 months of consistent usage may be necessary.

Always remember to stay within the recommended dosage and ask your healthcare provider for medical advice. Vitamin A overdose is not fun.

Should you take beef liver supplements every day?

It is NOT recommended to take beef liver supplements every day, as this may lead to hypervitaminosis A. If you’re already on a healthy diet, supplementing each day is absolutely not necessary.

In my opinion, 1-2 days per week of supplementing is just fine to experience the health benefits of liver supplements. However, no research supports whether this is actually true.

Conclusion: When to Take Beef Liver Supplements?

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to taking beef liver supplements, but timing is key to maximizing their benefits. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or night, the best strategy is to spread your intake throughout the day and pay attention to how your body responds.

For most people, taking beef liver supplements with food is ideal, as it aids in the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B12, and B2. However, to optimize iron absorption, consider taking at least one capsule on an empty stomach.

When it comes to workouts, post-exercise supplementation tends to work better for most, but as always, listen to your own body. Consistency is key, but don’t overdo it—taking beef liver supplements every day can lead to vitamin A toxicity. Stick to a balanced diet, supplement wisely, and always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your routine.

Now that you have the full breakdown, go experiment and find out what works best for you!

References

  • Best way to take vitamin and mineral supplements. (2024, September 20). MedPark Hospital. https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/lifestyles/best-way-to-take-vitamin-and-mineral-supplements
  • Clinic, C. (2024, June 27). Is beef liver good for you? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/beef-liver-benefits