Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAS): Omega-3 to Improve Health
Omega 3 supplements: a valid help also for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
The liver health of patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be improved by increasing the intake of marine-derived Omega-3 fatty acids. This conclusion was reached by a group of experts led by Gail Masterton from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (Edinburgh, United Kingdom), in an article published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. The authors analyzed the results of 4 different human studies and demonstrated that Omega-3s improve liver health and function. Moreover, these fatty acids also increase sensitivity to the action of insulin hormone, essential for regulating sugar metabolism, in those suffering from this disorder.
Fatty liver, a symptomless disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver, is a disorder characterized by fat accumulation in the liver. This condition is increasingly diagnosed in people with obesity or diabetes problems, but it can also occur after intestinal bypass surgery or in conjunction with the use of certain medications. This disorder affects between 10% and 35% of the global population and has been linked to the growing prevalence of obesity. Unfortunately, doctors have not yet identified a definitive therapy for its treatment. Generally, this fat accumulation does not cause particular symptoms. However, fatty liver can increase the risk of liver inflammation and thus cause liver failure. The probability that non-alcoholic fatty liver progresses to a much more serious condition concerns only 5-10% of cases. However, some conditions, such as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance, can increase this risk.
Omega-3 against liver fat
Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of Omega-3 for people suffering from various diseases, including heart disorders and altered levels of cholesterol and blood fats. More recently, data have been collected on the potential of these nutrients for treating non-alcoholic steatosis. In particular, Omega-3s play an important regulatory role in the expression of liver genes. Researchers have highlighted that human studies confirmed results obtained in animals, showing these nutrients reduce fat accumulation in the liver, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce markers of inflammation.
Mechanism of action
Although some studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Omega-3 in counteracting disorders associated with obesity, no research so far has clarified the mechanisms by which these fatty acids improve the health of those suffering from fatty liver. For Masterton and her team, the most important action performed by these nutrients at the liver level would be the regulation of gene expression. This phenomenon would allow the liver metabolism to shift from producing and accumulating fats to their oxidation and consumption. According to the researchers, the effect on insulin action, their anti-inflammatory activity, and the ability to reduce TNF levels, a molecule associated with inflammation, could be other possible mechanisms contributing to the effectiveness of Omega-3 in this disorder.
