Vitamin D insufficiency has been associated with biopsy-proven NAFLD [5] and liver fibrosis [27]. One study done in morbidly obese patients showed that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of steatosis represented by Fatty Liver Index (FLI) score [7].
Causes of fatty liver disease. Eating excess calories causes fat to build up in the liver. When the liver does not process and break down fats as it normally should, too much fat will accumulate. People tend to develop fatty liver if they have certain other conditions, such as obesity, diabetes or high triglycerides.
Avoid certain supplements: Excess iron, niacin, and vitamin A (the retinol form, not beta carotene) tend to stress an unhealthy liver. Check your multi and B-complex for these ingredients. 8.
Prior to the study, scientists understood non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was linked to elevated levels of blood homocysteine. Homocysteine is an amino acid broken down by vitamins B12 and B6, and folate. Higher levels of homocysteine may be a sign of vitamin deficiency, and B12 deficiency is linked to NAFLD (3).
The findings from this research suggest that vitamin B12 and folic acid may have the potential to positively impact liver health, specifically when it comes to individuals with fatty liver disease. These particular nutrients, in the form of supplements, may even hold the possibility of reversing fatty liver disease.
The current study showed that supplementation with vitamin B12 (1000 µg cyanocobalamin per day) for 12 weeks among patients with NAFLD improved serum levels of homocysteine. Also, the fasting blood glucose and serum levels of MDA were significantly improved in the trial group who received vitamin B12.
Exercise and healthy dietary supplements, including micronutrients, are promising methods to manage NAFLD. Vitamins A, B3, B12, D, and E can serve as targets for NAFLD therapy, although some are linked to adverse effects. Vitamin D status and obesity have an inverse relationship.
What vitamins are good for fatty liver? There is some evidence that vitamin E could have a positive effect on the liver health of people with NAFLD. Some research suggests that vitamins D, B9, B12, A, and C could help people with NAFLD.
According to the American Liver Foundation, there are no medical treatments – yet – for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. So that means that eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are the best ways to both prevent liver damage from starting or reverse liver disease once it's in the early stages.
The most effective treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is weight loss, which has been shown to decrease the amount of fat in the liver and the inflammation caused by the fat.
Yoga is very effective in reversing fatty liver as many of its asanas can help stimulate liver and boost its function. Do yoga asanas like Kapal Bhati pranayama which helps to improve the blood circulation throughout the body and is ideal for the liver.
Overweight or obesity. Insulin resistance, in which your cells don't take up sugar in response to the hormone insulin. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia), indicating prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. High levels of fats, particularly triglycerides, in the blood.
If you have fatty liver disease, the damage may be reversed if you abstain from alcohol for a period of time (this could be months or years).
What about drug therapy? Unfortunately, there are no FDA-approved medications for fatty liver disease. So far, the two best drug options affirmed by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases for biopsy-proven NASH are vitamin E (an antioxidant) and pioglitazone (used to treat diabetes).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Incredible detoxification actions of ACV work to flush out the harmful toxins from the liver that hinders its normal functions. Studies discloses that regular intake of ACV promotes weight loss, diminishes cholesterol levels, lessen inflammation, and uplift the overall health of the liver.
In fact, every 100 mg increase in magnesium intake is associated with a 49% decrease in the risk of mortality due to all liver diseases (10). Liver cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), liver cancer and viral hepatitis are common liver diseases.
Soy or whey protein
The results of one study in the review showed that liver fat decreased by 20% in women with obesity who ate 60 grams (g) of whey protein every day for 4 weeks. Soy protein contains antioxidants called isoflavones that help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat in the body.
Herbalists and physicians alike used the milk thistle for hundreds of years to treat a wide range of liver pathology, including fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and to protect the liver from environmental toxins. Today, millions of people consume milk thistle to support healthy liver function.
A recent study on patients with advanced liver disease showed a high prevalence of vitamin A and D deficiencies, and that vitamin A is strongly correlated with liver dysfunction, portal hypertension and levels of bile acids [148].
Using non-human models, they showed clearly that vitamin B12 and folate reduced liver inflammation and liver scarring (fibrosis) in NASH. These agents appear to act by affecting the homocysteine pathway.