Protocol · Liver/Infectious Disease
Hepatitis C Supportive Care Protocol
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) and Milk Thistle (Silymarin) are the core of this stack, with 3 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Hepatitis C Supportive Care.
The stack
5 supplements · 1 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid) | Amount listed: 250–500 mg daily | Bile acid that supports liver cell protection and reduces liver stress
| Grade C for Liver Cell Content1 study · 5 people | ||
| Milk Thistle (Silymarin) | Amount listed: 420 mg silymarin daily (divided doses) | Hepatoprotective; antioxidant; may support liver function | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg daily | Glutathione precursor; antioxidant support for liver | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily | Deficiency common in chronic liver disease; may affect treatment response | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Often deficient in liver disease; supports immune function | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Hepatitis C. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
Each opens the products we list, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. Thanks to modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications, hepatitis C is now curable in over 95% of cases.
ABOUT HEPATITIS C:
- Caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- Spread through blood-to-blood contact
- Many people have no symptoms for years
- Can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer if untreated
- Now highly curable with medications
SYMPTOMS (when present):
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes) - late stage
CRITICAL: Hepatitis C is now curable. See a healthcare provider for testing and treatment. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY.
MEDICAL TREATMENT:
- Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs): 8-12 weeks of pills
- Cure rate >95%
- Examples: sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir
- Minimal side effects compared to old interferon treatments
LIVER HEALTH SUPPORT:
- Avoid alcohol completely
- Maintain healthy weight
- Avoid hepatotoxic medications when possible
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B
- Regular monitoring of liver function
WHO SHOULD BE TESTED:
- Everyone born 1945-1965 (baby boomer generation)
- Anyone who has injected drugs
- HIV-positive individuals
- Blood transfusion recipients before 1992
- Children of HCV-positive mothers
TUDCA and milk thistle* provide hepatoprotective support.
NAC* supports glutathione and liver detoxification.
Correct deficiencies* in vitamin D and zinc.
Expected timeline: DAA treatment cures most people in 8-12 weeks. Supplements support liver health before, during, and after treatment.