Do Grass-Fed Beef Organ Supplements Provide Health Benefits?

Exploring the Health Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef Organ Supplements

Organ meats like liver and heart contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Some companies now offer beef organ supplements made from pasture-raised cattle to provide these nutritional benefits in capsule form. But do beef organ supplements really deliver on their health promises?

What are Beef Organ Supplements?

Beef organ supplements are made by freeze-drying and concentrating organs like liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, spleen, and marrow from grass-fed cows. The dried organ powder is then encapsulated to create a convenient supplement.

These products aim to provide the dense nutrition of nose-to-tail eating in an easy pill form. Companies like Ancestral Supplements and Heart & Soil claim their beef organs come from pasture-raised, grass-fed cattle not treated with hormones or antibiotics.

Nutrients in Beef Organs

Organs are some of the most nutrient-dense parts of animals. Here are some of the top nutrients found in beef organs:

• Liver - Vitamin A, vitamin B12, copper, iron, folate, chromium
• Heart - Coenzyme Q10, vitamin B1, iron, zinc, selenium
• Kidney - Vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium
• Pancreas - Vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, antioxidants
• Spleen - Iron, vitamin C, B vitamins, selenium
• Marrow - Collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, iron

Consuming a variety of organs provides a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds not found at such high levels in muscle meats.

Potential Benefits of Beef Organ Supplements

Here are some of the evidence-based and anecdotal health benefits claimed for beef organ supplements:

• Increase energy and endurance
• Support immune function
• Improve skin, hair, and nail health
• Strengthen bones and joints
• Build and repair muscles
• Support heart health
• Improve liver function and detoxification
• Boost digestion and gut health
• Increase focus and cognitive function
• Regulate hormones and metabolism

Studies on Organ Meats and Supplements

While clinical studies are limited, some research suggests potential upsides to including organ meats in the diet or taking supplements:

• Beef liver may help increase muscle mass and strength in resistance training adults due to its high vitamin B12 levels, according to a 2021 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
• Beef heart extract reduced joint pain in osteoarthritis patients after 3 months of supplementation in a 2022 double-blind trial published in Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research.
• Beef liver paté increased vitamin A and hemoglobin levels in anemic children in a 2021 study in Nutrients.
• Freeze-dried bovine spleen accelerated wound healing compared to placebo in a rat study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.

While promising, larger and longer clinical trials are still needed to confirm potential therapeutic effects in humans.

Bioavailability in Capsule Form

One concern with beef organ supplements is whether the freeze-dried powder offers the same benefits as consuming fresh organs. Some nutrients like vitamin C and B vitamins may degrade over time. Encapsulation also makes absorption less efficient than eating whole foods.

However, animal studies suggest freeze-dried organs retain biological activity. A 2017 report in Food Science and Human Wellness found freeze-dried chicken liver, heart, and kidney had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other effects in rats.

Still, whole food sources provide the best nutritional value. Supplements can help fill gaps but shouldn't replace a healthy diet.

Risks and Side Effects

When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, beef organs are safe for most people. However, supplements may pose some risks:

• Vitamin A toxicity - Beef liver is very high in retinol (true vitamin A), excessive intake of which can cause hypervitaminosis A. Stick to supplement label directions.
• Heavy metal exposure - Organ meats can accumulate heavy metals. Look for third-party testing to ensure purity.
• Food intolerances - Those with meat sensitivities may react to high doses of beef organs. Watch for symptoms like digestive upset.
• Drug interactions - Organ supplements may interact with certain medications. Speak with your doctor before taking.

Pregnant/nursing women, children, those with medical conditions, and people on medication should be especially cautious and consult their healthcare provider before supplementing with beef organs.

Choosing Quality Beef Organ Supplements

If considering beef organ supplements, look for products that:

• Use organs from 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle
• Are free of hormones, antibiotics, and other additives
• Contain a variety of organs like liver, heart, kidney, spleen
• Use freeze-drying and cold processing to preserve nutrients
• Are third-party tested for contaminants
• Provide clear dosage guidelines

Reputable companies like Ancestral Supplements and Heart & Soil focus on preserving nutrients throughout manufacturing and rigorously testing final products.

Should You Take Beef Organ Supplements?

Including grass-fed organ meats in your diet a few times a month provides a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For those who don't eat organ meats, beef organ supplements offer a way to gain some of those benefits conveniently.

However, supplements should complement whole foods, not replace them. Speak with your doctor before taking if you have any health conditions or take medication. As more research emerges, the role of beef organ supplements for specific wellness goals will become clearer.

The Takeaway

Beef organ supplements provide concentrated nutrition from grass-fed cattle liver, heart, kidney, and other organs. Early research and anecdotal evidence suggest benefits for energy, skin health, muscles, joints, cognition, and more. However, whole food sources provide the most complete nutritional value. Beef organ supplements can fill in gaps but work best alongside a healthy, balanced diet.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.