Protocol · Autoimmune & Inflammatory
Autoimmune Hepatitis Supportive Care Protocol
Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the core of this stack, with 5 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Autoimmune Hepatitis Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
7 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL; higher if deficient) | Immunomodulatory effects; deficiency common in autoimmune liver diseases and associated with disease severity | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce hepatic inflammation and support liver health | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg twice daily | Glutathione precursor; supports liver detoxification and antioxidant defenses | Not graded yet | ||
| Milk Thistle (Silymarin) | Amount listed: 420–600 mg silymarin daily in divided doses | Hepatoprotective; antioxidant and anti-fibrotic effects in liver disease | Not graded yet | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 20–50 billion CFU multi-strain daily | Support gut-liver axis; may help modulate immune response and reduce inflammation | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400–800 IU daily (mixed tocopherols) | Antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative stress in liver; used in NASH | Not graded yet | ||
| Selenium | Amount listed: 100–200 mcg daily | Supports glutathione peroxidase; deficiency associated with liver disease severity | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Autoimmune Hepatitis. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease where the immune system attacks liver cells. It can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if not treated. The cause is unknown but involves genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and joint pain. Some people have no symptoms until advanced disease.
CRITICAL: Autoimmune hepatitis requires immunosuppressive treatment. Standard therapy is corticosteroids (prednisone) often combined with azathioprine. This treatment induces remission in most patients and prevents progression to cirrhosis. Without treatment, AIH can be fatal. These supplements may provide supportive benefit but absolutely DO NOT replace immunosuppressive therapy. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes, autoantibodies, and liver function is essential. Work closely with a hepatologist or gastroenterologist.
Vitamin D* deficiency is very common in autoimmune hepatitis and other liver diseases. Studies show lower vitamin D levels correlate with more severe disease. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects that may help regulate the overactive immune response. Supplementing to achieve adequate levels (40-60 ng/mL) is reasonable.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce hepatic inflammation. They also support overall liver health.
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)* is a precursor to glutathione, the liver's primary antioxidant. It supports the liver's detoxification capacity and protects against oxidative damage.
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)* has been used traditionally for liver support. It has antioxidant and possibly anti-fibrotic effects, though evidence in AIH specifically is limited.
Probiotics* support the gut-liver axis. An unhealthy gut microbiome can contribute to liver inflammation through increased intestinal permeability and bacterial products reaching the liver.
Vitamin E* is an antioxidant that has shown benefit in non-alcoholic liver disease. It may help reduce oxidative stress in AIH.
Selenium* supports glutathione peroxidase function. Selenium deficiency is common in chronic liver diseases.
Expected timeline: Immunosuppressive therapy typically shows improvement in liver enzymes within weeks to months. Supplements provide ongoing support. Vitamin D optimization takes 2-3 months. AIH management is lifelong.