Liver tablets were once a staple among old-school bodybuilders, but their popularity faded toward the end of the 20th century. That’s unfortunate because this forgotten supplement offers powerful benefits for muscle growth and overall health.
Liver is a true superfood, packed with nutrients that support performance and recovery. While most people shy away from eating liver, they’ll gladly take it as a supplement. Interestingly, in the wild, predators like lions, bears, and tigers instinctively eat the liver first after a kill—it’s that nutrient-dense.
Liver is rich in protein, containing all essential and most non-essential amino acids. It also boasts higher levels of vitamins and minerals than many fruits and vegetables. Perhaps its most unique benefit comes from a special anti-fatigue nutrient that puzzled scientists for years. Today, we know that this secret ingredient is heme iron—the most bioavailable form of iron, far superior to plant-based sources.
One of the first recommendations I make to women with low iron levels is to increase their intake of red meat. I then suggest adding liver tablets along with a corn-free, non-GMO source of vitamin C like this one to enhance absorption. Since calcium inhibits iron uptake, it’s best to avoid cow’s milk products and calcium supplements if iron levels are low. If needed, I also recommend Salus Floradix Formula, an iron supplement that absorbs well without causing constipation like many others.
Beyond its role in iron absorption, liver supports overall health. Traditional cultures believed that consuming a specific organ helped strengthen that same organ in the body. A healthy liver is essential for detoxification, energy production, and muscle growth—making liver supplementation a smart choice for athletes and bodybuilders.
During bodybuilding’s golden era, liver tablets were a go-to supplement. Athletes took them by the handful, and with good reason—they worked. Dr. Eric Serrano, a top sports nutrition expert, still considers liver supplementation one of his best-kept secrets for building quality muscle. According to him, taking 8-12 tablets between meals throughout the day can lead to rapid muscle gains—up to two pounds or more in no time.
When choosing a liver supplement, look for one sourced from grass-fed, organically raised cattle, preferably from New Zealand, where hormone and chemical use is strictly regulated. A great option can be found here. Just like with food, the quality of your supplements matters—healthy animals produce superior products.
