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Fatty liver refers to fat buildup in liver cells. While scientists aren't sure why this happens, fatty liver is often found in people who drink too much alcohol. It's also found in people who are obese, have diabetes or high triglycerides. Then it's called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD, or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH. Fatty liver disease causes inflammation and scarring of the liver, which may lead to cirrhosis. Treatment includes triglyceride, weight and blood-sugar management. Some supplements may also help control this disease.
Vitamin E
The inflammation associated with fatty liver disease causes the liver tissues to become abnormally stiff and fibrous. As this progresses, the liver can be permanently damaged and unable to do its job, which is to produce substances for use in food digestion, manage red blood cell reprocessing, store vitamins, build proteins and clear toxins such as alcohol and bacteria out of your system. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning it helps to reduce inflammation. In a study reported in the May 6, 2010, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, 84 patients who were given 800 IU of vitamin E daily had improved liver enzyme numbers and inflammation, though no improvement was found in the fibrosis of the liver.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another antioxidant. A 2005 study reported in the Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology found that taking a combination of vitamins C and E "is a safe, inexpensive and effective treatment option ..., with results comparable to those obtained with ursodeoxycholic acid," a prescription medication most commonly sold as Actigall. As of late 2010, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, considered vitamins E and C as experimental treatments for NASH, and the agency was still carrying out clinical trials to determine the effectiveness of vitamins and other supplements in treating the disease.
Other Supplements
Among the other supplements being studied by the NIDDK are selenium and betaine. In June 2006, a report in the Journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians included betaine, along with vitamins E and C, among treatment options for those with NAFLD. While admitting that these supplements, like many other treatments, decrease liver enzymes and reduce the amount of fibrosis or inflammation in the liver, the report concluded that no treatment significantly lessened the incidence of fatty liver disease.
Fatty liver disease can generally be managed by healthy eating habits that keep your weight down, and your triglycerides and blood sugar under control. NAFDL only rarely progresses to become a serious medical issue, but if you have this condition or suspect you may have it, consult your physician before taking more than the recommended daily dosages for vitamins C and E or other supplements
Fatty liver disease can generally be managed by healthy eating habits that keep your weight down, and your triglycerides and blood sugar under control. NAFDL only rarely progresses to become a serious medical issue, but if you have this condition or suspect you may have it, consult your physician before taking more than the recommended daily dosages for vitamins C and E or other supplements
http://www.livestrong.com/article/314733-what-vitamins-help-to-fight-a-fatty-liver/
