Because toxins in the environment can also find their way into their food and water, the liver can be a very busy organ for companion animals. Hepagen is a unique formula that combines the beneficial liver herbs milk thistle and curcumin (from turmeric) with antioxidants and other important ingredients that support normal phase I and phase II detoxification in the animal’s liver.

Healthy liver function is necessary for the activation of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). In cases where liver health is diminished, the active form of vitamin B6 – pyridoxal 5'-phosphate – is probably indicated. Hepagen provides 5 mg of active vitamin B6 per capsule. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate is necessary because it’s a cofactor for so many enzyme reactions.

Hepagen also contains the active form of vitamin B12 – methylcobalamin – which is essential for energy production in the cells of the body. Vitamin B12 is also necessary to digest amino acids and to metabolize carbohydrates and fats. Because much of the vitamin B12 that is needed is stored in and then supplied by the liver, a properly functioning liver is essential to maintain adequate B12 levels.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) – a derivative of the simplest amino acid, glycine – is a building block for many important substances, including methionine. Methionine, an essential sulfur-containing amino acid necessary for phase II detoxification, also helps metabolize fats and is a necessary precursor to cysteine and taurine synthesis.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is composed of the amino acid cysteine and a sulfhydryl group, which enables NAC to interact with disulfide bonds. NAC serves as a precursor for the synthesis of glutathione, which is essential for multiple liver detoxification processes.

Silybum marianum (milk thistle) contains several flavonolignans that are collectively referred to as silymarin. The antioxidant activity of silymarin helps to stabilize hepatocyte membranes, neutralize free radicals, and maintain liver glutathione levels.