The Role of Nutrients in the Development, Progression, and Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease in adults and children and is currently the third most common indication for liver transplantation in North America. Its pathogenesis is thought to be secondary to multiple "hits" derived from the dietary components, adipose tissue, immune system, and intestinal microbiota. Lack of physical activity may contribute as well. Nutrients may exert their effect directly or through alteration of the intestinal microbiota. Research focusing on specific dietary components predisposing to NAFLD has shown conflicting results. Total energy intake, and macronutrients, has been linked to the development of NAFLD. Fructose not only contributes to hepatic steatosis but may trigger inflammatory signals as well. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are thought to exert anti-inflammatory effects. The role of vitamins as well as minerals in this field is actively being investigated. In this review, we discuss the evidence-linking macronutrients (such as carbohydrates and fat in general and fructose, fiber, short chain fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty, and choline specifically) and micronutrients (such as vitamin E and C and minerals) with the development and treatment of NAFLD. We also discuss the literature on physical activity and NAFLD.

The Effect of Probiotic and/or Prebiotic on Liver Function Tests in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease that can lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (1). No effective medication has been reported for NAFLD.…”

Role of diet and nutritional management in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

“…Moreover, a healthy diet has benefits beyond weight reduction for all NAFLD patients with and without obesity. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Therefore, dietary nutritional management should be a component of any treatment plan for NAFLD. This review discusses the role of dietary modification in the management of patients with NAFLD.…”

Hepatic cHanges in abortions and infants from HiV-positiVe motHers

“…There are reports in the literature in which, of the histological changes, the macrovesicular steatosis is the most common microscopic finding in the liver of HIV positive infants (2,3) . The steatosis does not seem to be related to the use of antiretroviral drugs used in the therapeutic regimen, but malnutrition and infection.…”

“…Other liver functions consist in the storage of vitamins (A, B 12 , D, E and K), and minerals (iron and copper) and in the regulation of blood volume, having significant antitoxic action against harmful substances to the organism, such as caffeine and alcohol, and in the processing of drugs (2,3) . The liver tissue, in theory, is not an organ by which the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a predilection, as have for other organs and cells, however, in the early stage of HIV infection, the epatocytes are infected and become reservoirs of the virus, allowing its dissemination, with consequent development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).…”