Did you know that it’s your liver’s job to absorb and store nutrients? In our IV therapy lounge in Toronto, we can customize nutrient therapies for liver support, which may potentially enhance energy levels, detoxification, skin health, and more. 

We don’t realize this, but this organ can be overwhelmed on a daily basis! Between our Western diet, busy schedules, and exposures to pollutants, it’s constantly working to ensure that metabolic functions are regulated. Supplementing with key nutrients can potentially help optimize the liver though, which may be beneficial for health promotion. 

Here, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) discusses:

• • A brief review of the liver’s role in the body;
  • A list of nutrients for improving this organ’s functioning; 
  • Details about our integrated personalized therapies. 

Quick recap: What does this organ do? 

The liver is tasked with a wide range of duties in the human body. Some of these include: 

• • Filtering toxins out of the blood.
  • Producing bile to break down food for digestion.
  • Metabolizing macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats).
  • Regulating blood production.
  • Acting as a ‘storage warehouse’ for fat soluble vitamins, iron, and glycogen, stowing them away for later use. 

Nevertheless, some factors can contribute to worsening this organ’s health. These include having liver disease run in your family; frequently being exposed to toxins (i.e. in the workplace); being overweight; having unprotected sex; and not regularly washing hands. Overindulging in alcoholic drinks may be harmful to the liver, too, as “…constant alcohol use leads to cell injury due to toxic metabolite buildup…,” confirms StatPearls. 

Nutrient therapies to consider for liver support

If you’re experiencing poor detoxification, slow wound healing, and a lack of energy, functional naturopathic doctors may suggest nutrients to target liver support. Focusing on this organ can help ‘cleanse’ the body of impurities that might be causing symptoms. 

Below, we list key nutrients to consider for liver care. Whether they’re administered for drip therapy treatments or taken as oral vitamins, they can be integrated into treatment plans by a functional medicine or IV therapy clinic. 

• • Glutathione: This powerful antioxidant is produced in the liver, but declines with age. In one study, participants with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver impairments took oral glutathione and practiced lifestyle changes. Together, it was shown that healthy habits and glutathione supplements led to improvements to NAFLD conditions.  

• • A Taurine IV drip may support healthy liver function by promoting the formation of bile acids, which are essential for breaking down fats and aiding detoxification. Taurine also helps protect liver cells from oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties. Because a taurine nutritional deficiency can contribute to impaired bile flow and disrupted liver metabolism, replenishing this nutrient may enhance overall liver resilience. Some studies suggest taurine may assist in improving markers of fatty liver and reducing inflammation. IV delivery allows for rapid absorption, providing targeted support for individuals focused on optimizing liver health.

• • Methionine: Methionine is a precursor to S-Adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), a compound that supports the liver and combats oxidative stress. “Most researchers agree that adequate methionine supplementation can help reduce liver damage,” wrote a paper from Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.

• • NAD+: Like glutathione, this enzyme lessens as the body ages. Scientists posit that “…ageing-associated NAD+ deficiency is a critical risk factor for NAFLD, and … supplementation with NAD+ substrates may be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat NAFLD,” confirms a British Journal of Pharmacology article. 

• • Intravenous Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) may support liver health by enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress — a common contributor to liver dysfunction. ALA helps regenerate other key antioxidants such as glutathione, thereby supporting the liver’s natural detoxification pathways. It also promotes healthy mitochondrial function, which is essential for efficient cellular repair within liver tissue.Research indicates that ALA’s positive effects may assist in improving markers associated with fatty liver and inflammation. Because intravenous delivery bypasses the digestive system, it allows for rapid tissue availability, providing targeted and efficient liver support for individuals requiring enhanced detoxification and cellular protection.

• • IV Phosphatidylcholine: Phosphatidylcholine is a key phospholipid that supports the structure and integrity of liver cells, helping them function and repair efficiently. It plays a critical role in bile synthesis, which aids in breaking down fats and supporting the liver’s natural detoxification pathways. A phosphatidylcholine nutritional deficiency has been linked to liver damage, fatty liver changes, and reduced bile flow. Delivering phosphatidylcholine intravenously may help enhance liver resilience by improving membrane fluidity and supporting healthy lipid metabolism. As part of a liver-focused IV protocol, it may offer targeted support for individuals seeking to optimize detoxification and overall liver health.
  • Vitamin C: The vitamin contains antioxidant properties that can scavenge free radicals known to damage liver cells. One study showed that, “A total of 12 weeks of [vitamin C] supplementation, especially 1,000 mg/day, improved liver health and glucose metabolism in patients with NAFLD,” reported a Frontiers in Nutrition piece. 

Note: Some of the nutrients listed may or may not be offered as IV therapy from our IV Lounge. To have your herbal and nutrient therapies personalized, please consult with our naturopathic doctor from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC). 

Suggested reading: How NAC Can Target Substance Overuse: An IV Therapy Toronto Discussion

About getting complementary nutrient therapy from our IV Lounge

Our functional medicine therapies may be advantageous for several health needs, such as boosting energy levels, regulating blood pressure levels, enhancing tissue repair, and supporting cognitive function. 

Our patient-centered approach to wellness focuses on your needs only, providing you with extra time to understand strategies for optimal health outcomes. All TFMC patients have access to:  

• • Laboratory testing that cannot be accessed from some conventional practices.
  • Several treatment modalities, including hormone optimization programs, naturopathic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal remedies, Western therapies, psychotherapy, holistic nutrition, nutritional booster shots, and more. 
  • A safe, soothing IV Lounge for patients who require adjunct intravenous therapy.

Our clinicians prescribe vitamin drip therapy for biological needs, which is why each patient must attend an initial appointment. (Note: This session can be conducted virtually or in person.) Getting a vitamin infusion administered is not meant to replace healthy living; when combined with a balanced diet, exercise, and additional treatment modalities, vitamin drips may contribute to health improvements. 

Our IV Lounge menu has an array of nutrients available for drip therapies, especially vitamin E, high doses of vitamin C, several types of amino acids, phosphatidylcholine (PC), NAD+ IV therapy, and more. Your IV drip can be personalized for specific health goals, too – for example, we can arrange a blend of vitamins for aging skin, or create a custom hydration drip for an athletic performance. Our drip therapy treatments are blended on site without added preservatives – we only use natural ingredients! Rest assured, our IV vitamin drips are freshly administered at all times. 

The beauty of having a custom-made IV is that you know what exactly is in your formulation. Our health team actively monitors each IV therapy appointment, so please don’t hesitate to ask us questions. We are an open book!

Getting IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is a no-fuss process. Revolutionize your cellular functions, mind, and body – start now by simply clicking on this link to request your first session. Our team will respond shortly. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

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Kalra A, Yetiskul E, Wehrle CJ, et al. Physiology, Liver. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535438/

He, Z., Li, X., Yang, H., Wu, P., Wang, S., Cao, D., Guo, X., Xu, Z., Gao, J., Zhang, W., & Luo, X. (2021). Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Liver Health and Associated Parameters in Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 745609. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.745609

Honda Y, Kessoku T, Sumida Y, Kobayashi T, Kato T, Ogawa Y, Tomeno W, Imajo K, Fujita K, Yoneda M, Kataoka K, Taguri M, Yamanaka T, Seko Y, Tanaka S, Saito S, Ono M, Oeda S, Eguchi Y, Aoi W, Sato K, Itoh Y, Nakajima A. Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study. BMC Gastroenterol. 2017 Aug 8;17(1):96. doi: 10.1186/s12876-017-0652-3. PMID: 28789631; PMCID: PMC5549431.

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. In brief: How does the liver work? [Updated 2023 Feb 28]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279393/

Jamioł-Milc, D., Gudan, A., Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka, K., Hołowko-Ziółek, J., Maciejewska-Markiewicz, D., Janda-Milczarek, K., & Stachowska, E. (2023). Nutritional Support for Liver Diseases. Nutrients, 15(16), 3640. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163640

Li, Z., Wang, F., Liang, B., Su, Y., Sun, S., Xia, S., Shao, J., Zhang, Z., Hong, M., Zhang, F., & Zheng, S. (2020). Methionine metabolism in chronic liver diseases: An update on molecular mechanism and therapeutic implication. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 5(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-020-00349-7

Liu M, Yang H, Mao Y. Magnesium and liver disease. Ann Transl Med. 2019 Oct;7(20):578. doi: 10.21037/atm.2019.09.70. PMID: 31807559; PMCID: PMC6861788.

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Vitamin C. [Updated 2021 May 27]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548448/

Montemayor, S., García, S., Monserrat-Mesquida, M., Tur, J. A., & Bouzas, C. (2023). Dietary Patterns, Foods, and Nutrients to Ameliorate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Scoping Review. Nutrients, 15(18), 3987. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183987

Mukherjee, S., Chellappa, K., Moffitt, A., Ndungu, J., Dellinger, R. W., Davis, J. G., Agarwal, B., & Baur, J. A. (2017). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis promotes liver regeneration. Hepatology, 65(2), 616-630. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.28912

Vell, M. S., Creasy, K. T., Scorletti, E., Seeling, K. S., Hehl, L., Rendel, M. D., Schneider, K. M., & Schneider, C. V. (2023). Omega-3 intake is associated with liver disease protection. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1192099. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1192099

Zhou, C., Yang, X., Hua, X., Liu, J., Fan, B., Li, Q., Song, J., Xu, Y., Li, Y., Guan, F., Wang, P., & Miao, Y. (2016). Hepatic NAD+ deficiency as a therapeutic target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in ageing. British Journal of Pharmacology, 173(15), 2352-2368. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13513