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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Nightshade Mix
Generic Name
Nightshade Mix
Active Ingredient
Beef LiverCategory
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 [hp_X]/59mL | LIQUID | ORAL | 63083-1011 |
Detailed information about Nightshade Mix
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Nightshade Mix, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Beef Liver, categorized as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract, is a complex biological substance used in allergy diagnostics and historically as a primary source for essential nutrients and hormonal precursors.
Dosage for Beef Liver depends heavily on the intended use—whether diagnostic or nutritional.
Beef Liver allergenic extracts are used in children for allergy diagnosis. The dosing is similar to adults (0.02 mL to 0.05 mL), but testing is often limited to skin prick methods to minimize the risk of systemic reactions.
No specific dose adjustments are required for diagnostic testing. For oral supplementation, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) should exercise caution due to the high phosphorus and protein content of liver extracts, which may exacerbate uremia or hyperphosphatemia.
Patients with pre-existing liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis or NAFLD) should avoid high-dose oral beef liver. Since the liver is the primary storage site for Vitamin A, impaired hepatic function can lead to rapid toxicity even at standard doses.
Elderly patients often have reduced gastric acid (achlorhydria), which may impair the absorption of Vitamin B12 from food sources. While beef liver is a potent source of B12, elderly patients should be monitored for iron overload (hemochromatosis) if they take liver supplements long-term.
If you are taking beef liver as a nutritional supplement and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to 'catch up,' as this increases the risk of acute Vitamin A or iron toxicity.
An overdose of beef liver extract is primarily a concern with oral supplementation.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
When used as an allergenic extract, the most common side effect is a local skin reaction. This typically feels like a mosquito bite—an itchy, raised red bump (wheal) surrounded by redness (flare). This usually appears within 15-20 minutes and resolves within a few hours. When taken orally as a supplement, common side effects include:
> Warning: Stop taking Beef Liver and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Prolonged use of beef liver supplements can lead to Chronic Vitamin A Toxicity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), excessive preformed Vitamin A intake over years can lead to reduced bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women. Additionally, chronic iron accumulation can lead to 'bronzing' of the skin and heart palpitations.
Currently, there are no FDA black box warnings specifically for 'Beef Liver' as a non-standardized allergenic extract. However, all allergenic extracts carry a general warning regarding the risk of severe systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Healthcare providers must be prepared to treat such reactions with emergency medications (epinephrine).
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Beef Liver products, particularly allergenic extracts, must only be administered by clinicians trained in allergy and immunology. The complexity of the bovine matrix means that patients may react to a wide variety of proteins, some of which are shared with other mammalian products.
No FDA black box warnings for Beef Liver. However, it is important to note that the FDA requires all allergenic extracts to be used in facilities equipped to handle life-threatening anaphylaxis.
If you are using beef liver extracts or supplements long-term, your doctor may require the following tests:
Beef Liver does not typically cause sedation or cognitive impairment. However, if a patient experiences a systemic allergic reaction during testing (e.g., dizziness or hypotension), they should not drive until cleared by a medical professional.
Alcohol should be consumed with extreme caution if taking beef liver supplements. Both alcohol and Vitamin A are processed by the liver; concurrent use can accelerate liver damage and increase the risk of hepatotoxicity.
There is no known withdrawal syndrome associated with Beef Liver. However, if you are using it to manage a nutrient deficiency, stopping suddenly may cause your iron or B12 levels to drop. Always consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed supplement regimen.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Beef Liver.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Patients allergic to Beef Liver may also react to:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Beef Liver.
Beef Liver is a 'Category X' equivalent when taken in high supplemental doses during pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Vitamin A intake exceeding 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg) per day from supplements or liver is associated with teratogenicity, specifically cranial neural crest defects. However, beef liver is also a vital source of folate and iron. Pregnant women should consult their obstetrician; generally, consuming small amounts of liver (once a week) is safe, but concentrated extracts should be avoided.
Vitamin A and B12 pass into breast milk. While this can be beneficial for a nursing infant, excessive Vitamin A intake by the mother can lead to toxicity in the infant. There is no data on the passage of allergenic proteins into breast milk in quantities sufficient to affect the infant, but nursing mothers should be monitored if they are undergoing immunotherapy.
Beef Liver allergenic extract is approved for use in children as young as infants for allergy diagnosis. However, the use of liver supplements in children is generally discouraged unless specifically directed by a pediatric hematologist for the treatment of refractory anemia. Children are much more susceptible to acute iron poisoning; as little as 60 mg/kg of iron can be fatal.
In older adults, the risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency is high due to atrophic gastritis. While beef liver can help, clinicians must balance this against the fact that elderly patients often have reduced renal and hepatic reserves, making them more prone to Vitamin A accumulation. Furthermore, those on polypharmacy (especially Warfarin) face significant interaction risks.
Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) must be careful with beef liver due to its high phosphorus and purine content. Purines are metabolized into uric acid, which can trigger gout flares in patients with reduced renal clearance.
In patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C cirrhosis, the liver's ability to store and mobilize Vitamin A is compromised. This can lead to 'Vitamin A toxicity at normal levels,' where the vitamin spills into the blood and causes systemic damage. Liver extracts are generally avoided in these populations.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
Beef Liver acts as a multi-target biological agent. In immunology, the proteins (such as bovine serum albumin and gamma globulin) serve as antigens that cross-link IgE on mast cells. In metabolism, the extract provides Heme Iron, which is absorbed via the HCP1 transporter and incorporated into the protoporphyrin IX ring to form hemoglobin. The Vitamin B12 in the extract acts as a cofactor for methionine synthase, essential for DNA methylation and myelin sheath maintenance in the central nervous system.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 20-35% (Heme Iron); 50-80% (Vitamin A) |
| Protein Binding | 95% (Retinol to RBP); 99% (B12 to Transcobalamin) |
| Half-life | 400 Days (Vitamin B12 in liver); 120-140 Days (Retinol) |
| Tmax | 3-6 Hours (Oral ingestion) |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (Enzymatic conversion of Retinoids) |
| Excretion | Renal (B-Vitamins); Fecal (Iron and fat-soluble vitamins) |
Beef Liver is not a single molecule but a biological matrix. Its 'active' components include Cyanocobalamin (C63H88CoN14O14P), Retinol (C20H30O), and Heme B (C34H32FeN4O4). The extract is soluble in aqueous buffers for diagnostic use and is typically standardized by protein nitrogen unit (PNU) or weight/volume ratio.
Beef Liver is categorized as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]. It is related to other mammalian extracts like Pork and Lamb extracts, though it is the most commonly used in clinical diagnostics due to the high prevalence of beef consumption and alpha-gal cross-reactivity.
Common questions about Nightshade Mix
In a clinical setting, Beef Liver is primarily used as an allergenic extract to diagnose beef allergies and alpha-gal syndrome. Historically, it was the gold standard for treating pernicious anemia due to its incredibly high concentrations of Vitamin B12 and bioavailable heme iron. Some healthcare providers may still recommend desiccated beef liver as a whole-food supplement for patients with specific nutrient deficiencies. It is also used in research as a biological source for various enzymes and hormonal precursors. Always consult your doctor before using it for any therapeutic purpose.
The most common side effects depend on how the extract is administered. For skin testing, patients typically experience localized itching, redness, and a small raised bump at the site of application. When taken as an oral supplement, common issues include nausea, stomach upset, and a metallic taste in the mouth. You may also notice that your stools become very dark or black, which is a normal and harmless result of the high iron content. If these symptoms become severe or if you develop a rash, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Combining alcohol with beef liver supplements is generally not recommended. Both substances are processed by the liver, and alcohol can increase the risk of Vitamin A toxicity, a condition known as hypervitaminosis A. Chronic alcohol consumption can also interfere with the absorption of B-vitamins, potentially negating the benefits of the supplement. Furthermore, alcohol can stress the liver, making it more susceptible to damage from the high levels of retinol found in beef liver extracts. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption before starting this medication.
Beef Liver should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. While it is a rich source of folate and iron, it contains very high levels of preformed Vitamin A (retinol), which can cause birth defects if consumed in excess. Most doctors recommend that pregnant women limit their intake of liver to no more than once a week and avoid concentrated liver supplements entirely. Excessive Vitamin A is particularly dangerous during the first trimester when the baby's organs are forming. Always discuss your dietary and supplement intake with your obstetrician.
For diagnostic allergy testing, Beef Liver extract works very quickly, with results typically visible within 15 to 20 minutes. If you are taking it as a supplement for anemia or Vitamin B12 deficiency, it may take several weeks to notice a difference. Your body needs time to build up red blood cells and replenish depleted stores in the liver and bone marrow. Most patients undergo follow-up blood tests after 4 to 8 weeks to monitor progress. Your specific timeline will depend on the severity of your deficiency and your overall health.
Yes, you can generally stop taking Beef Liver suddenly without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Unlike some medications that require tapering, beef liver does not cause physical dependence. However, if you were taking it to treat a specific deficiency like iron-deficiency anemia, stopping the supplement may cause your symptoms (like fatigue and weakness) to return. It is always best to discuss your plan with your healthcare provider so they can monitor your nutrient levels and suggest alternative treatments if necessary.
If you miss a dose of a beef liver supplement, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular routine. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this can lead to an acute overdose of Vitamin A or iron. Acute iron toxicity can be dangerous, especially if it occurs frequently. If you are unsure what to do, call your pharmacist or doctor for guidance.
Beef Liver itself is not known to cause significant weight gain. It is a nutrient-dense but relatively low-calorie food source when consumed in standard supplemental amounts. However, if it successfully treats a severe Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency, your appetite may improve as your energy levels increase, which could lead to secondary weight changes. If you notice rapid or unusual weight gain while taking any supplement, you should discuss it with your doctor to rule out other underlying medical conditions.
Beef Liver can interact with several important medications, so caution is necessary. Most notably, its high Vitamin K content can interfere with blood thinners like Warfarin, and its iron content can block the absorption of certain antibiotics and thyroid medications. You should also avoid taking it with other Vitamin A-containing supplements or retinoid drugs like Accutane. Always provide your healthcare provider with a full list of all medications, herbs, and supplements you are currently taking to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.
Beef Liver is a biological product and is not available as a 'generic' in the same way that synthetic drugs like ibuprofen are. However, it is available from many different manufacturers as a non-standardized allergenic extract or as various brands of desiccated liver supplements. Because these products are not standardized, the concentration of vitamins and proteins can vary significantly between brands. It is important to choose a reputable source and stay with the same brand if your doctor has recommended it for a specific therapeutic purpose.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Beef Liver)