Written by the Plenthera team (orthomolecularly trained). Scientifically reviewed in April 2026. Last updated: April 30, 2026.
Organ meats were part of the human diet for centuries – liver, heart, and kidneys were always the first parts consumed from a slaughtered animal. In modern times, organs have largely disappeared from the Western menu, despite being among the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. Organ supplements – freeze-dried in capsule form – restore that "ancestral" connection. At Plenthera, you'll find premium organ supplements from Big Food and Silverback Protein, sourced from grass-fed animals and extracted without heat.
Which organ supplement is right for you?
| Organ | Main Benefit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Liver | Vitamin A, B12, copper, iron | General nutrient density |
| Heart | CoQ10, taurine | Mitochondrial, cardiovascular |
| Kidney | Selenium, B12 | Antioxidant, minerals |
| Spleen | Iron (highest) | Whole food iron supplementation |
| Multi-organ | Complete profile | Nose-to-tail approach |
What are organ supplements?
Organ supplements are freeze-dried organs – primarily liver, heart, kidney, and spleen – from grass-fed animals, encapsulated without heat extraction. They are a whole-food supplement part of the paleo, carnivore, and ancestral health movements.
In the evolutionary context of human nutrition, organs played a central role. Hunter-gatherers ate "nose-to-tail" – all parts of the animal, with organs being the most prized pieces due to their nutrient density. Liver, in particular, is one of the most nutrient-rich foods in the world: 100 grams contain 10 mg of vitamin A (retinol), 70 µg of vitamin B12, 10 mg of copper, 6 mg of iron, plus significant amounts of folate and choline.
In modern times, organs have largely disappeared from the Western menu – due to cultural shifts, convenience, and taste preferences. Since around 2018-2020, a counter-movement has emerged: paleo, carnivore, and ancestral health proponents are returning to this traditional whole-food supplementation. Organ supplements – freeze-dried in capsule form – offer a practical way to reap the benefits without having to eat fresh organs.
Important to note: organ supplements are deliberately not a vegan option. They are specifically for those following the ancestral/paleo/carnivore route and consciously choosing animal whole foods. Important consideration: vitamin A in liver supplements can be very high – caution is advised for pregnant women due to retinol UL. Also check our bone broth category and collagen category for related ancestral cluster products.
Science, nutrient density, and EFSA status
For organ supplements as a category, there are no overarching EFSA claims. However, individual components in liver, heart, and other organs do have recognized EFSA claims – vitamin A (skin, vision, immune), B12 (energy, nervous system), copper (connective tissue, immune), iron (energy, fatigue), CoQ10 in heart (no EFSA claim, but research available).
Modern research on organ supplements specifically is limited – usually extrapolation from individual components. The whole-food thesis (synergy of components in a natural matrix) is logical but not causally proven.
We do not make literal claims of efficacy specifically about organ supplements. In case of pregnancy (liver supplements due to retinol UL), or genetic conditions (hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease): consult a doctor in advance, in accordance with the advice of the NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority).
The four main organs – what does each provide?
Liver: Highest nutrient density. Per 100g: ~10 mg vitamin A, 70 µg B12, 10 mg copper, 6 mg iron, folate, choline. CAUTION: vitamin A UL during pregnancy.
Heart: Rich in CoQ10 (~30 mg/100g – comparable to some Q10 supplements), B vitamins, taurine, iron. For mitochondrial energy and cardiovascular support.
Kidney: High selenium content (~100 µg/100g), B12, iron, vitamin A. For antioxidant research and general mineral supplementation.
Spleen: Highest iron content of all organs. For those seeking whole food iron supplementation.
Bone Marrow: Stem cell-related components, bone-building materials. Premium niche.
Brain: High DHA content. Not always permitted in EU trade due to BSE precautions.
Organ supplement forms at Plenthera
Liver supplement (capsules)
Freeze-dried grass-fed liver in capsule form. The most common organ supplement. For general whole-food intake. Our first-line recommendation.
Heart supplement
For those who want to address CoQ10 and mitochondrial energy with whole foods. Supplementary to or instead of classic Q10 supplements.
Multi-organ formula (liver + heart + kidney + spleen)
Complete organ profile in one formula. For those who want a nose-to-tail approach in one capsule.
Big Food organ supplements
Dutch brand focusing on carnivore/ancestral health. Various organ formulas.
Silverback Protein organ
International premium brand in the carnivore niche.
How to use organ supplements?
Simple basic approach for organ supplements:
- Determine your goal: general whole food (liver), mitochondrial (heart), antioxidant (kidney), iron supplementation (spleen), complete (multi-organ).
- Start with the recommended dosage – usually 3-6 capsules per day, equivalent to 1.5-3 g of freeze-dried organ.
- Divide over two moments – morning and afternoon.
- Take with a meal for optimal absorption.
- In case of pregnancy or planning a pregnancy: avoid liver supplements or carefully calculate retinol intake (UL 700 µg). Heart, kidney, or spleen are safer. Consult the Gezondheidsraad (Dutch Health Council) guidelines for pregnancy.
- With a predisposition to hemochromatosis: caution with iron-rich organs (liver, spleen).
- With Wilson's disease: do NOT use liver supplements (copper accumulation).
Myths and misunderstandings about organ supplements
Myth 1: "Organ supplements are only for carnivores."
Not just – for anyone who values whole-food nutrient density. Paleo, ancestral health, traditional eaters. Vegans, of course, do not.
Myth 2: "Liver supplement is always safe."
Not during pregnancy. Vitamin A in liver can quickly exceed the UL (700 µg/day retinol) – teratogenic risk. For pregnant women: avoid or dose precisely.
Myth 3: "Heart supplement replaces CoQ10."
Contains CoQ10 in a natural matrix, but dosage is often lower than classic Q10 supplements. For specific CoQ10 goals (statin side effects, heart failure research): standardized Kaneka Q10 is more effective.
Myth 4: "The more organ supplements, the better."
Incorrect – vitamin A and copper can accumulate with high intake. Stick to the label dosages.
Combining organ supplements with other supplements
Organ supplements fit into a whole-food cluster. Commonly chosen combinations:
- Bone broth: ancestral whole-food cluster.
- Collagen: complementary connective tissue theme.
- Fish oil: omega-3 supplementation lacking in organ supplements.
- Vitamin D: for broad basic coverage.
- Magnesium: mineral supplementation outside the organ spectrum.
- Vitamin K2: for calcium routing in bone health.
Frequently asked questions
What are organ supplements?
Freeze-dried organs (liver, heart, kidney, spleen) from grass-fed animals in capsule form. Part of paleo/carnivore/ancestral movements.
What types of organ supplements are there?
Liver, heart, kidney, spleen, bone marrow. Liver is the most common.
How many organ supplements per day?
3-6 capsules of 500 mg per day, equivalent to 1.5-3 g freeze-dried.
Does liver supplement help with energy?
Liver contains B12, iron, copper – all EFSA-recognized for energy. Not as an overarching organ claim.
What is the difference between liver and heart supplements?
Liver: highest nutrient density (vit A, B12). Heart: CoQ10, taurine, B-complex.
Can liver supplements be taken during pregnancy?
Caution – vitamin A UL 700 µg/day retinol. Liver supplements can quickly exceed the UL.
Which brand of organ supplement is best?
For NL: Big Food (Dutch), Silverback Protein. International: Ancestral Supplements, Heart & Soil. Grass-fed certification is important.
Do organ supplements have side effects?
Possible vitamin A overdose (liver), copper overdose (liver in Wilson's disease). Iron overdose in case of hemochromatosis predisposition.
Carnivore diet and organ supplements?
Often used as a practical supplement – whole-food organ meat in a capsule.
Are organ supplements real meat?
Yes – freeze-dried organs, not an extract. Whole food in a capsule.
Sources
- EFSA Regulation (EU) 432/2012 — claims for vitamin A, B12, copper, iron.
- USDA FoodData Central — Beef liver, beef heart nutritional data.
- Price WA., "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" (1939) — historical ancestral source.
- Cordain L., "The Paleo Diet" (2002) — paleo-themed source.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Organ is a food supplement, not a medicine. If in doubt or if taking medication, we recommend consulting a doctor or orthomolecular therapist first.