At the core of wellbeing is metabolism, the chemical process that maintains life.
A healthy metabolism is the foundation of whole-body wellness and can be defined by five critical markers: blood glucose levels; blood pressure; cholesterol and triglyceride levels; and weight. Metabolic processes within the body are responsible for converting food into energy, regulating blood sugar levels and maintaining other essential functions. When functioning at optimal levels, metabolic health promotes wellbeing and prevents a range of health issues.
Although consumers are taking a more proactive approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it is estimated that globally up to one third of adults have metabolic syndrome – a cluster of biochemical and physiological abnormalities which can increase the occurrence of stroke, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Consumers are taking notice of the importance of metabolic health due to an increase of liver-related diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease. NAFLD occurs when fat accumulates on the liver, not associated with excessive alcohol intake, strong medications or a virus. Approximately 30% of the global population have NAFLD – and because of this, the condition has been redefined as ‘metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease’ (MAFLD).
MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) is related to age, gender, weight and BMI, with a higher prevalence in those who are overweight or obese. Now that the condition has been renamed, statistics indicate that one in four Americans have MASLD.
The liver is crucial to metabolic health
The liver is a key part of the digestive system – a vital organ responsible for filtering and processing everything that enters the bloodstream. It produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released to help emulsify fats for better breakdown and absorption in the small intestine.
Under normal conditions, the liver is the powerhouse of metabolic activity. “The liver has incredible functions of detoxification. It is truly a gatekeeper that sits at the gate of the rest of your body,” says Amber Lynn Vitale, National Educator at Sabinsa Wellness.
It stores excess glucose as glycogen, a quick-release energy source for physical activity. However, if the body is under chronic stress or lacks physical activity, the liver begins to covert this sugar into fat, overtime causing fatigue and weight gain. If ongoing, excessive fat storage can lead to MASLD.
“Unfortunately, when the liver is overwhelmed, it starts packing things away in the closet – we all have that closet where we just stuff things into. An overwhelmed liver will start to pack things away until one day you open the closet and everything tumbles out,” says Vitale.
Most people turn to short-term detoxes – seven days, 14 days or seasonal cleanses – as a way to ‘clean out’ once a year. “The era of detoxing the liver just once a year is over as far as I’m concerned. So, the dilemma is considering how we take care of the liver every day. How can we support what the liver is programmed to do?” adds Vitale.
Ayurveda and ‘the detox dilemma’
Ayurveda offers a more sustainable approach to liver health. While MAFLD is on the rise, prevention is possible. Ayurvedic traditions can inform herbal solutions, which lend positive adjustments to diet and lifestyle.
“The liver plays a huge role in Ayurveda. If the liver is overwhelmed, it will affect the blood and every tissue thereafter – including muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow, nervous tissue and reproductive tissue. We see this in modern medicine. We now have the ability to merge these two perspectives – modern medicine and traditional Ayurveda,” says Vitale.
How can this come together to solve the detox dilemma? The role of the liver in metabolic health is tremendous as it determines how well and how long you live. Although the liver has an amazing self-healing capacity, the ability is limited once damage becomes severe or chronic.
“The liver’s role is to detoxify. But if it’s dirty, the engine cannot run right. In Ayurveda, the goal is to detoxify regularly, cleaning the engine to keep it running and supported,” adds Vitale.
Drawing from Ayurvedic traditional formulas, standardized and clinically-supported herbal extracts can help consumers effectively resolve the ‘detox dilemma’. So, what do formulators need to stay ahead and lead the way in this dynamic and fast-growing category?
Register for Spotlight On: Optimizing healthspan
Showcasing the importance of optimal liver function and its impact on metabolic health, ‘Optimizing Healthspan by Delivering and Manufacturing Science-Based Liver Health Solutions’, took place on 4 November, 2025.
Filmed at Sabinsa’s manufacturing facility in Utah, certified nutritionist and Ayurvedic clinical consultant, Vitale explains the current state of liver health among consumers worldwide, unpacks the ‘detox dilemma’ surrounding liver health, and reveals how this translates into the potential for science-backed supplementation.
The broadcast delivers a deeper understanding of the value of clinically researched ingredients and how Sabinsa’s proven manufacturing expertise and collaborative approach can help to differentiate existing products or formulas. Mo Hussain, Sabinsa’s VP of Strategic Affairs, delivers a deep dive into five clinical studies that demonstrate the proven performance of Sabinsa’s ingredients.
“At Sabinsa, transparency and traceability is at the core of everything we source, produce and deliver. As a raw material supplier, Sabinsa has invested decades in developing verified sourcing relationships,” says Shaheen Majeed, MBA, D.Litt., Global CEO & Managing Director at Sami-Sabinsa Group.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain exclusive insights at the forefront of major wellness trends, empowering the drive of innovation in liver health, longevity and healthspan in this rapidly evolving market.
