Milk thistle comes in several formats, and the choice between them depends on how you want to fit the product into your day.
- Flour (powdered seeds) — it retains both the flavonoids and flavonolignans and the dietary fibre. It is added directly to food, which lets you vary the amount and the way you consume it. It suits those who want to enrich their diet with fibre and plant compounds through familiar dishes.
- Capsules and tablets — a fixed dose, convenient when travelling or when you have no chance to cook. As a rule, they contain a concentrated extract or powder, but without the culinary flexibility.
- Extract — usually standardised for its silymarin content (a complex of flavonolignans). It is a more concentrated form focused on a specific component, whereas the flour retains the fibre of the seed.
If dietary fibre and the ability to add the product to dishes are what matter to you, the flour is preferable. If you need a precise dose of the active substance without any cooking, consider capsules or an extract. The product is not a substitute for a balanced diet and is not intended to treat or prevent disease.