Omega-3 Fatty Acids Support Liver Health

A new review of the medical literature examined data regarding the use of omega-3 fatty acids to treat non-alcoholic liver disease. Non-alcoholic liver disease is the most common liver disease in the United States, affecting over 29 million Americans. It encompasses various forms of liver damage including fatty liver (steatosis), fat in the liver causing inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) and cirrhosis. This condition is strongly associated with the presence of obesity and insulin resistance, and can lead to liver failure.

This new review evaluated data from four human studies to analyze any potential therapeutic effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have previously been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, markers of inflammation as well as fat accumulation in the liver in animal models, thus making it a likely candidate for use in non-alcoholic liver disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to regulate gene transcription in liver cells. After reviewing data from the four human studies, the scientists found that human clinical trials support the findings that omega-3 fatty acids can be useful in non-alcoholic liver disease.

The reviewers concluded, “Omega-3 fatty acids are a promising treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

The researchers called for randomized placebo controlled trials to further confirm the findings.

Reference:

Masterton GS, Plevris JN, Hayes PC. Review article: omega-3 fatty acids - a promising novel therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Dec 30. Published Online Ahead of Print.