Hepatitis C Supportive Care Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceBile acid that supports liver cell protection and reduces liver stress
Supporting Studies (1)
Hepatoprotective; antioxidant; may support liver function
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsGlutathione precursor; antioxidant support for liver
Supporting Studies (1)
Deficiency common in chronic liver disease; may affect treatment response
Supporting Studies (1)
Often deficient in liver disease; supports immune function
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
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:
SYMPTOMS (when present):
CRITICAL: Hepatitis C is now curable. See a healthcare provider for testing and treatment. This protocol is SUPPORTIVE ONLY.
MEDICAL TREATMENT:
LIVER HEALTH SUPPORT:
WHO SHOULD BE TESTED:
* 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.
Clinical Perspective
Hepatitis C: RNA virus; 6 genotypes. Transmission: parenteral (IVDU, transfusion pre-1992, healthcare exposure). Natural history: 75-85% chronic infection; 15-30% progress to cirrhosis over 20-30 years. Screening: anti-HCV antibody; confirm with HCV RNA.
CRITICAL: DAAs cure >95% - treatment indicated for all with chronic HCV. Regimens: 8-12 weeks; pan-genotypic options (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir). Assess fibrosis (FIB-4, Fibroscan). Post-cure: continued surveillance if cirrhosis (HCC screening). Supplements supportive only - do not delay or replace antiviral treatment. Liver support: milk thistle, TUDCA, NAC have hepatoprotective properties.
* TUDCA (B-grade): Hepatoprotection. Systematic review: (PMID: 23597877). 250-500mg daily.
* Milk Thistle (B-grade): Silymarin antioxidant. Systematic review: (PMID: 22611359). 420mg daily.
* NAC (C-grade): Glutathione support. Review: (PMID: 10793665). 600-1200mg daily.
* Vitamin D (C-grade): Often deficient. Review: (PMID: 28750270). 2000-4000 IU daily.
* Zinc (C-grade): Immune support. Review: (PMID: 26845419). 15-30mg daily.
Assessment targets: HCV RNA (cure = SVR12), liver function tests, fibrosis staging, HCC surveillance if cirrhotic.
Protocol notes: DAA treatment: indicated for all chronic HCV; insurance coverage now broad. Pre-treatment: assess genotype, fibrosis, prior treatment, drug interactions. SVR12: sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment = cure. Cirrhosis: continue HCC surveillance (ultrasound q6mo) even after cure. Alcohol: complete abstinence recommended. Reinfection: possible; risk reduction counseling. Hepatitis A/B: vaccinate if not immune. Drug interactions: check before starting DAAs (especially HIV meds, PPIs). Liver support supplements: reasonable adjunct but don't delay treatment. Post-cure: fibrosis may regress; regular follow-up.