There are generally no side effects with these two supplements if taken as directed.
However, saw palmetto has some blood thinning effects when taken in high levels. Most common side effect would be simple digestive upset.
Milk thistle is great for liver support, but check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any medications to see if there will be potential interactions.
This question was answered by a trained product specialist at Swanson Health Products. Do you have a question you’d like answered? Send it via email to drea658baic@compend.me.
(Note: as per industry regulations, we cannot and will not answer medical questions, make treatment or diagnosis recommendations or comment on disease inquiries. Such questions must be answered by your doctor or professional health care provider.)
Blog / /
Do Saw Palmetto or Milk Thistle Have Any Side Effects?
Do Saw Palmetto or Milk Thistle Have Any Side Effects?
Vitamins and Supplements FAQs • July 13, 2011
Recommended Articles
What should you be reading next?
[{"link":"/blog/articles/10-alternatives-to-diet-soda-that-arent-water.html","title":"10 Alternatives to Diet Soda (That Aren’t Water)","img":"/media/blog/500331-tea.png","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-delicious-foods-that-keep-you-full-for-hours.html","title":"10 (Delicious) Foods That Keep You Full for Hours","img":"/media/blog/resize/blog_feelfull_header.jpg","tag":"/Swanson Pages/Blog/Blog Tags/Body"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-essential-gifts-for-readers.html","title":"10 Essential Gifts for Readers","img":"/media/blog/500447-gift_ideas_readers_main.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-foods-for-happy-and-healthy-skin.html","title":"10 Foods for Happy and Healthy Skin","img":"/media/blog/resize/blog_10foodshappyskin_header.jpg","tag":"/Swanson Pages/Blog/Blog Tags/Body"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-foods-you-should-always-keep-on-hand.html","title":"10 Foods You Should Always Keep on Hand","img":"/media/blog/swanson-logo.svg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-gifts-newlyweds-will-love.html","title":"10 Gifts Newlyweds Will Love","img":"/media/blog/500448-gift_ideas_newlyweds_main.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-health-benefits-of-laughing-out-loud.html","title":"10 Health Benefits of Laughing Out Loud","img":"/media/blog/500609-suprised_kids.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-herbal-supplements-to-boost-your-energy-levels.html","title":"10 Herbal Supplements to Boost Your Energy Levels","img":"/media/blog/various-herbs-sw1004-sw977-030121.jpg","tag":"/Swanson Pages/Blog/Blog Tags/Body"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-homemade-stain-removers.html","title":"10 Homemade Stain Removers","img":"/media/blog/500602-cleaners.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-magnesiumrich-foods-to-add-to-your-diet.html","title":"10 Magnesium-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet","img":"/media/blog/500391-magnesiumrichfoods_header.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-nofuss-essentials-for-happy-camping.html","title":"10 No-Fuss Essentials for Happy Camping","img":"/media/blog/500339-camping_snacks_pin.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-peanut-butter-alternatives-worth-trying.html","title":"10 Peanut Butter Alternatives Worth Trying","img":"/media/blog/500405-nut_butter_almond.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-purrrfect-gifts-for-cats-and-cat-lovers.html","title":"10 Purrrfect Gifts for Cats ","img":"/media/blog/500041-catgifts_blog_640x640_dreaming_hes_superman_t20_e1mg2q.gif","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-simple-steps-to-a-successful-1day-detox.html","title":"10 Simple Steps to a Successful 1-Day Detox","img":"/media/blog/500285-ginger_detox_tea.jpg","tag":"/Swanson Pages/Blog/Blog Tags/Body"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-sleep-supplements-and-the-science-behind-them.html","title":"10 Sleep Supplements ","img":"/media/blog/500065-sleepsupplements_640x640gettyimages_838107340.jpg","tag":"/Swanson Pages/Blog/Blog Tags/Body"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-tips-for-better-sleep.html","title":"10 Tips for Better Sleep","img":"/media/blog/500012-rendered.jpg","tag":"/Swanson Pages/Blog/Blog Tags/Mind"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-ways-to-sweeten-your-beauty-routine-with-honey.html","title":"10 Ways to Sweeten Your Beauty Routine with Honey","img":"/media/blog/500361-pinterest_honey_beauty_uses_02.r1ef3d7ixu.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/10-worst-drinks-for-your-body.html","title":"10 Worst Drinks for Your Body","img":"/media/blog/500737-10_worst_drinks.jpg","tag":"New"},{"link":"/blog/articles/11-best-selfcare-tips-for-mind-and-body.html","title":"11 Best Self-Care Tips for Mind & Body","img":"/media/blog/500195-selfcaretips_blogsquare_640_x0px6q_t20_wkzbwy.jpg","tag":"/Swanson Pages/Blog/Blog Tags/Mind"},{"link":"/blog/articles/11-fall-health-tips.html","title":"11 Fall Health Tips","img":"/media/blog/500176-fall_health_tips.jpg","tag":"New"}]