EDINBURGH, Scotland—Researchers found omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) to be a promising treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a recent University of Edinburgh review (Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2009 Dec 30).
NAFLD affects 10 to 35 percent of the adult population worldwide; and so far, there is no consensus on its treatment. However, researchers searched Medline and PubMed to identify relevant literature using search terms omega-3, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and 'NAFLD'. Collectively, the studies showed omega-3 fatty acids are important regulators of hepatic gene transcription. Animal studies demonstrate they reduce hepatic steatosis (the abnormal retention of lipids within a cell), improve insulin sensitivity and reduce markers of inflammation. Clinical trials in human subjects generally confirm these findings, but have significant design inadequacies.