Introduction: Fatty liver = MASLD is a liver disease that should not be taken lightly
In recent years, the number of people who are told they have a "fatty liver" during physical examinations has been increasing rapidly. The name NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) was used in the past, but the name MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) is now used as a more definitive diagnostic concept. MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) is now used as a clearer diagnostic concept.
MASLD is a liver disease involving metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and lipid abnormalities, and if left untreated may progress to hepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The top priority is to improve lifestyle through diet, exercise, etc. under the guidance of a physician, but in recent years, the use of supplements has also been attracting attention as a means of supplementing these efforts.
Can supplements cure fatty liver?
First, the basic premise is that supplements alone will not "cure" fatty liver. Much of the evidence is that supplementation (improvement of fatty liver and lowering of liver enzymes) may be expected, which is not the case with pharmaceuticals. Therefore, excessive expectations or self-judgmental multiple-drug intake is not advised.
Major supplements and evidence related to fatty liver
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
- Effects: Inhibition of fat accumulation in the liver, improvement of liver enzymes, and improvement of insulin sensitivity
- Evidence: RCTs and meta-analyses have reported certain effects, but the effect on fibrosis is unknown
(Yan JH et al., J Clin Gastroenterol. 2018;52(6):547-556) - Cautions: Risk of bleeding tendency with excessive intake; watch EPA/DHA ratio.
2) Vitamin D
- Effectiveness: Potential improvement of liver function through reduction of insulin resistance and chronic inflammation
- Evidence: Improvement in ALT has been reported in patients with NAFLD in the deficient state
(Barchetta I et al., World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(30):8787-8795) - Caution: risk of hypercalcemia and kidney damage with excessive intake. Blood 25(OH)D measurement by blood sampling is recommended.
(iii) N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Effect: Strong antioxidant properties reduce hepatocellular damage
- Evidence: ALT and AST improvement reported (small study)
(Serviddio G et al., Liver Int. 2009;29(5):750-758) - Note: Sometimes used as a drug rather than a supplement, dose control is important.
4) Turmeric (curcumin)
- Effects: Anti-inflammatory action, suppression of fat accumulation
- Evidence: Small RCT confirms liver enzyme improvement and liver fat reduction
(Panahi Y et al., Phytother Res. 2014;28(4):544-550) - Precautions: Due to low absorption, select a formulation with increased bioavailability. Risk of gastrointestinal problems with overdose.
5) Probiotics/Prebiotics
- Effect: Improves enterohepatic axis and suppresses hepatitis progression by regulating the intestinal environment
- Evidence: Reported improvement in liver enzymes and insulin resistance
(Aller R et al., J Clin Gastroenterol. 2011;45(8):760-767) - Note: Effects vary depending on the type of strain. Need to distinguish from enteric medicines.
Note: Supplements are "auxiliary"; diet and exercise are the main focus.
The essential treatment for fatty liver is dietary modification, including carbohydrate restriction, exercise to maintain and increase muscle mass, and weight control. Supplements are effective only when these lifestyle habits are the basis of the treatment.
It is also advisable to seek the advice of a physician or dietitian, especially when using multiple supplements together, as excessive intake can be counterproductive to the liver.
summary
Supplements may play an adjunctive role in preventing the progression of fatty liver (MASLD). However, their individual effectiveness is limited and overconfidence is not advised. It is important to think of supplements as a combination of proper diet and exercise, based on correct knowledge and scientific evidence.
List of 🔗 related articles and internal links
- What is fatty liver, and what is the new definition of MASLD and MASH thoroughly explained
The "→" is the same as the "→" in theFatty Liver General": Basic knowledge of fatty liver and new criteria for diagnosis (MASLD/MASH) - What is the Surprising Relationship Between Fatty Liver and Bananas? Health Benefits of Green Bananas Explained
The "→" is the same as the "→" in theFatty liver Banana": Resistant Starch and the Liver - Dietary recommendations for fatty liver｜Protein and vegetable-based diet
The "→" is the same as the "→" in theFatty liver Diet": Locavore and Protein-Centric Lifestyle Improvements - What you can do now to reduce fatty liver｜5 practical habits
The "→" is the same as the "→" in theHow to reduce fatty liver": Every day changes the liver. - Exercise for fatty liver｜Correct combination of muscle training and aerobic exercise
The "→" is the same as the "→" in theFatty liver Exercise": Liver activity starting with one minute of squatting. - Misconceptions and Truths about Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver｜What is the difference between MASLD and MASLD?
The "→" is the same as the "→" in theFatty liver Non-alcoholic": Differences between old NAFLD and current MASLD - The Latest Drug Therapy in Free Clinical Practice｜From GLP-1 to Tilzepatide
The "→" is the same as the "→" in theFatty Liver Drug Therapy": Uninsured in Japan, but a promising treatment - Fatty Liver and Supplements｜Evidence for Proper Use
The "→" is the same as the "→" in theFatty Liver Supplement": Points and cautions for auxiliary use
TOPpage