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Bilirubin (total)

Liver Unit: mg/dL

Bile pigment; elevated in liver/biliary dysfunction

Also known as: TBIL,Total Bilirubin,Bilirubin Total

Reference Ranges

Clinical Reference 0.1 – 1.2 mg/dL
Optimal Range 0.2 – 0.8 mg/dL
Critical Range > 15.0 mg/dL

Gilbert syndrome: mild elevation common and benign

Related Conditions

Liver Disease High

Food & Lifestyle Recommendations

🍎 Food Eat regularly — fasting can elevate bilirubin in Gilbert syndrome Fasting reduces hepatic bilirubin clearance, especially in Gilbert syndrome
🍎 Food Include cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) which support liver detoxification Cruciferous vegetables induce UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, the enzyme that conjugates bilirubin
💡 Other If Gilbert syndrome (mild, asymptomatic), no lifestyle changes needed — it may actually be protective Gilbert syndrome is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk

Evidence-Backed Supplements

When High

  • Milk Thistle Tier A May Decrease

    Moderate evidence; silymarin may reduce bilirubin in liver disease by supporting hepatocyte function.

    Silymarin extract (70–80%) 140–210 mg silymarin 2–3x/day With meals
  • Curcumin Tier A May Decrease AYURVEDA

    Limited evidence; curcumin may modestly reduce bilirubin by improving liver function. Very limited clinical data.

    Curcumin with piperine or phytosome 500–1000 mg/day With meals
  • Nac Tier A May Decrease

    Limited evidence; NAC may help reduce bilirubin in some hepatotoxic contexts by supporting glutathione.

    N-Acetyl Cysteine 600–1200 mg/day Morning or divided doses

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • Could my mild bilirubin elevation be Gilbert syndrome rather than liver disease? Gilbert syndrome is benign and affects 3-7% of population
  • Does my elevated bilirubin indicate liver disease, and should I be tested for Gilbert syndrome? Mild isolated bilirubin elevation is often benign Gilbert syndrome. Liver function tests help differentiate.

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