While organ meats are nutritionally rich, there’s little to no published research on how beef organ supplements affect health. That hasn’t stopped some manufacturers from making numerous claims about beef organ supplement benefits.
“Supplements can be sold as if they are good for your health even if there has never been a study of the supplement in humans,” says Pieter Cohen, MD, an associate assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, who studies dietary supplements with the Cambridge Health Alliance.
“So, we can’t trust that animal-organ supplements will have any health benefits,” he says. “Even more concerning, none of these products [are required] to be tested in humans for safety before they appear on the market. Even if it appears [from the label] that they might be safe and effective, it is unlikely that there is good evidence to support these claims.”
To that end, below is a breakdown of some of the health benefits you might see advertised by beef organ supplement companies and where the research currently stands.
Boosts Your Immune System
Promotes Healthy Skin and Muscles
But while peptides exist in food and supplements, “We don’t absorb peptides well,” says Victor J. Bernet, MD, the chair of the division of endocrinology at Mayo Clinic Florida in Jacksonville and a former president of the American Thyroid Association. Dr. Bernet has studied supplements containing animal thyroid tissue and animal adrenal gland tissue. “They’re broken down in your stomach and never get to your bloodstream,” he says. “That’s why a peptide like insulin is delivered by injection or inhalation, and not as a pill.”
Increases Energy Levels and Reduces ‘Adrenal Fatigue’
“It’s like oil in your car,” he explains. “You need enough hormones, which your body generally produces. But too much isn’t helpful.”
If you’re feeling unusually fatigued, a visit to your doctor is a better idea than beef organ supplements. “People who are seeking treatments for symptoms by taking supplements may be missing something like sleep apnea or chronic fatigue syndrome,” Bernet says. “We have treatments and strategies that can really help those conditions.”
Improves Digestive Health
Some beef organ supplements are specifically formulated for digestive health. These often contain enzymes, aimed at helping your body break down nutrients, such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
