You may have heard that these organ meats are high in iron, B vitamins, protein , and other nutrients, though, and considered adding them to your diet. But are they safe and effective β and just as nutritious? For most people, eating a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, dairy, and whole grainsβall of which does have well-researched benefits β is all they need to stay healthy.
Still, you may have heard about organ supplements and are curious about them. Brands say their products contain the same nutrient profiles of organ meat while also boosting energy, mood , and exercise performance. Organ supplements also sometimes called organ complex supplements, are usually made from cow organs that are freeze-dried, ground up, and encapsulated, Johnson says.
They typically contain multiple types of organs, such as heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidney β so they're not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Some brands list on their labels how much of each type of organ is in each dose. Organ meat, also known as offal, refers to parts of a cow, pig, chicken, or other animal beyond muscle meat, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This can include bones, skin, blood, brain, heart, kidneys, liver, intestines, sweetbreads, and tongue.
And, organ meat contains a wealth of beneficial nutrients. For men, zinc and iron , in particular, are beneficial for maintaining energy levels, promoting muscle recovery, and supporting testosterone production. Muscle meat also contains these nutrients, but a research review published in Nutrients suggests that offal has a 'nutrient concentration often surpassing that found in skeletal muscle.
Johnson adds that organ meat's 'nutrients may be more bioavailable, meaning the intestine can absorb the nutrients to a greater extent. The same nutrients can be found in lean meat, eggs, fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains, too. People may also choose to eat organ meat as a way to use a whole animal in an effort to promote sustainability, he adds.
