scholarly journals Nutraceutical Approach to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): The Available Clinical Evidence

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arrigo Cicero ◽  
Alessandro Colletti ◽  
Stefano Bellentani

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical condition characterized by lipid infiltration of the liver, highly prevalent in the general population affecting 25% of adults, with a doubled prevalence in diabetic and obese patients. Almost 1/3 of NAFLD evolves in Non-Alcoholic SteatoHepatitis (NASH), and this can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. However, the main causes of mortality of patients with NAFLD are cardiovascular diseases. At present, there are no specific drugs approved on the market for the treatment of NAFLD, and the treatment is essentially based on optimization of lifestyle. However, some nutraceuticals could contribute to the improvement of lipid infiltration of the liver and of the related anthropometric, haemodynamic, and/or biochemical parameters. The aim of this paper is to review the available clinical data on the effect of nutraceuticals on NAFLD and NAFLD-related parameters. Relatively few nutraceutical molecules have been adequately studied for their effects on NAFLD. Among these, we have analysed in detail the effects of silymarin, vitamin E, vitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 series, astaxanthin, coenzyme Q10, berberine, curcumin, resveratrol, extracts of Salvia milthiorriza, and probiotics. In conclusion, Silymarin, vitamin E and vitamin D, polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 series, coenzyme Q10, berberine and curcumin, if well dosed and administered for medium–long periods, and associated to lifestyle changes, could exert positive effects on NAFLD and NAFLD-related parameters.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3531
Author(s):  
Gigliola Alberti ◽  
Juan Cristóbal Gana ◽  
José L. Santos

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common form of liver disease in both adults and children, becoming the leading cause for liver transplant in many countries. Its prevalence has increased considerably in recent years, mainly due to the explosive increase in pediatric obesity rates. NAFLD is strongly associated with central obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, and it has been considered as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Its complex pathophysiology involves a series of metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress processes, among others. Given the sharp increase in the prevalence of NAFLD and the lack of an appropriate pharmacological approach, it is crucial to consider the prevention/management of the disease based on lifestyle modifications such as the adoption of a healthy nutrition pattern. Herein, we review the literature and discuss the role of three key nutrients involved in pediatric NAFLD: fructose and its participation in metabolism, Omega-3 fatty acids and its anti-inflammatory effects and vitamin E and its action on oxidative stress.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 986-991
Author(s):  
Snizhana V. Feysa ◽  
Svitlana O. Rudakova

The aim: Of this research is to evaluate laboratory changes in the liver blood tests, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in NAFLD patients with concomitant pre-diabetes, and to study the feasibility of their complex treatment with the inclusion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential phospholipids. Materials and methods: We have examined 55 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease on the background of pre-diabetes aged 40 to 75 years. Modification of lifestyle was recommended to all patients as a basic treatment. In addition, the patients were prescribed essential phospholipids in 2 capsules 3 times a day and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids 1000 mg per day for 28 patients (group 1) or rosuvastatin 10 mg per day for 27 persons (group 2). The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated in 3 months, and the long-term outcomes were evaluated in 12 months. Results: Under the influence of the prescribed treatment, a hypolipidemic effect was observed in both groups, but a significant decline in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase occurred only under the influence of a combination of essential phospholipids and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Conclusions: Thus, the described results allow to recommend this combination of medicines to patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and concomitant pre-diabetes.


Author(s):  
M. V. Mayevskaya ◽  
V. T. Ivashkin

Aim. This review study is aimed at characterizing the nutrition of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).General findings.A high-calorie diet, followed even for a short period of time, can lead to an increase in the lipid content in hepatocytes and an increase in ALT values. These changes occur much earlier than weight gain, glucose metabolism disorders and other clinically obvious changes. So far, only the Mediterranean diet (or the Mediterranean type of food) has been scientifically confirmed as beneficial for human health. It is recommended for patients with NAFLD both by Russian and international clinical guidelines. The molecular mechanisms of beneficial effects on human health have been confirmed for such Mediterranean diet components as polyphenols, carotenoids, oleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber. The enrichment of the Mediterranean diet with olive oil (+10 g) reduces the risk of diabetes mellitus by 40 %. The addition of Omega-3 fatty acids to food reduces the risk of hepatocellular cancer. A balanced ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 in the diet is more important than the absolute amount of individual fatty acids. Vegetables and fruit contain two main classes of antioxidants: polyphenols and carotenoids. In patients with NAFLD, they exhibit an anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effect both in vivo and in vitro. Food produced from whole grain has a lower energy potential as compared to that produced from refined grain. Meat contains various nutrients, such as proteins, iron, zinc, B12 vitamin, as well as sodium, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, which serve as risk factors for the development of NAFLD and other cardio-metabolic disorders. In this paper, we present a clinical observation of a 51-year-old patient with NAFLD and cardio-metabolic disorders. Practical recommendations are given on changes in his lifestyle and the choice of optimal therapy with the application of multifunctional drugs affecting all disease aspects.Conclusion.The concepts of ‘correct or healthy’ nutrition and ‘lifestyle modification’ are increasingly attracting much attention both in terms of the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. Proper nutrition is important for a good life prognosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 


2006 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. S264 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Spadaro ◽  
O. Magliocco ◽  
D. Spampinato ◽  
S. Piro ◽  
C. Oliveri ◽  
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