The Effect of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplements in Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Overview

The principal purpose of this study is to determine whether increased intakes of n-3 polyunsaturated (omega-3) fatty acids will reduce the amount of fat stored in the liver in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is present in 10-24% of the general adult population. The first step of NAFLD involves the accumulation of fat within the liver (steatosis). Steatosis occurs either due to defective generation, metabolism or excretion of fatty acids by the liver. The next step in NAFLD progression is inflammation, which commonly occurs due to pro-inflammatory stimuli. Persistent inflammation results in end-stage liver disease. NAFLD is associated with the metabolic syndrome, which is characterised by central obesity, insulin resistance, raised triglycerides and hypertension. With the current obesity epidemic, there is predicted to be greater numbers of patients with NAFLD in the future. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential components of our diet, though standard Western intakes are lower than the recommended amounts. Supplementing the long chain n-3 PUFAs (commonly termed omega-3), EPA and DHA, improves many of the metabolic syndrome features. They lower plasma triglycerides, and may improve insulin resistance. The diet of NAFLD patients tends to be deficient in n-3 PUFAs and have an excessive intake of the harmful n-6 PUFAs. This pattern is mirrored in their liver lipid content as assessed at biopsy. Currently there is no proven treatment for NAFLD. Animal studies and limited studies in patients have been supportive of a benefit with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This needs to be further assessed.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes