Supplements Help Treat Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The liver produces most of the proteins the body needs, turns nutrients from food into energy, helps digest fats, and removes bacteria and other toxins from the blood. The liver also prevents nutrient shortages by storing vitamins, minerals, and sugars.

What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver due to causes other than alcohol. Chances increase with diabetes, obesity, and age, and there is currently no approved drug treatment.

Omega-3s. Earlier studies found those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease had lower levels of omega-3s in the liver. Doctors in this review analyzed 17 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease studies that supplemented EPA and DHA in doses ranging from 1,000 mg to more than 3,000 mg per day.

Overall, omega-3 supplements reduced two of the three main liver enzymes that signal liver-cell damage and inflammation, and fat levels and fat retained in the liver were both significantly reduced. Body mass index scores improved, and triglycerides, and total and LDL cholesterol levels declined, while levels of HDL, the "good" cholesterol, increased

Pre- and probiotics. Doctors in this review analyzed 25 prebiotic, probiotic, and synbiotic-combining pre- and probiotics-studies covering 1,309 participants.

Overall, the three micro-biotic treatments reduced body mass index scores on average by 0.37. The normal-weight BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9. The micro-biotics also returned to normal levels the three main liver enzymes that indicate liver damage. Those taking micro-biotics also saw reduced triglycerides and lower total and LDL cholesterol levels

Omega-3 from fish oil is available from many suppliers, as are the probiotics and probiotics.