What Are Beef Organ Supplements?

Beef organ supplements are made from cow’s organs that are freeze-dried and powdered. Typically, they come in capsule form.

What do beef organ supplements contain? What are their potential health benefits and risks? This article answers those important questions.

What’s in Beef Organ Supplements?

Beef organ supplements (also called organ complex supplements) come in different formulations. Often, they include beef liver plus material from one or more of the following:

• Kidney
• Heart
• Brain
• Pancreas
• Tongue
• Intestine

Organ meats are collectively referred to as offal. In the U.S., these meats are often used for purposes other than human consumption, including as ingredients in pet food or animal feed. However, in some other countries, organ meats are considered delicacies.

Potential Benefits of Beef Organ Supplements

Organ meats are full of nutrients. In fact, pound-for-pound, most are more nutritious than muscle meats. Consuming them as supplements provides those nutrients without the flavors and textures some people find objectionable when eating meat.

Other potential benefits of beef organ supplements include:

• Enhanced immune system function: Many organ meats, like the liver, kidneys and heart, have high levels of zinc, which is crucial to immune system function. People with zinc deficiency are more susceptible to infections.
• Reduced heart disease risk: Most organ meats are high in vitamin B12, which helps control the amount of homocysteine in the blood. High homocysteine levels are a risk factor for developing heart disease.
• Reduced cancer risk: Studies suggest that riboflavin (vitamin B2) helps protect the body from certain types of cancer, including colorectal and lung cancer. Kidneys and livers are high in riboflavin.
• Energy boost: Iron deficiency is a leading cause of fatigue. Many organ meats are high in iron, so consuming them can increase blood iron and energy levels.
• Lower Alzheimer’s disease risk: Research on Alzheimer’s disease has shown that thiamin (vitamin B1), which is present in cow liver, can help lower risks like plaque formation in the brain.

Potential Risks of Beef Organ Supplements

Consuming beef organ supplements can increase the risk of specific conditions, including:

• High cholesterol: Organ meats (liver and heart in particular) contain high levels of cholesterol. Because high cholesterol increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack, it’s best to consume organ meats in moderation.
• Hemochromatosis: This metabolic disorder involves having excess iron in the blood. Consuming too much iron-rich organ meat can worsen the problem.
• Gout: Gout is a painful condition affecting the joints. Organ meats contain high levels of purines, which contribute to gout episodes.

Talk With Your Healthcare Provider About Beef Organ Supplements

Beef organ supplements are high in nutrients and can potentially provide several nutritional and health benefits. However, they can adversely affect your health if you have specific health conditions or consume them in excessive quantities.

It’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplementation program. If you don’t have a Baptist Health provider, you can find one in our online directory.

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