Omega-3 supplementation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#adult #alanine-transaminase #aspartate-aminotransferases #dietary-supplements #fatty-acids-omega-3

Omega-3 supplementation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parker et al., 2012 | J Hepatol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Parker Helen M, Johnson Nathan A, ... George Jacob. Omega-3 supplementation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hepatol. 2012-Apr;56(4):944-51. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2011.08.018

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a frequent accompaniment of obesity and insulin resistance. With the prevalence approaching 85% in obese populations, new therapeutic approaches to manage NAFLD are warranted. A systematic search of the literature was conducted for studies pertaining to the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on NAFLD in humans. Primary outcome measures were liver fat and liver function tests: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase [1]. Data were pooled and meta-analyses conducted using a random effects model. Nine eligible studies, involving 355 individuals given either omega-3 PUFA or control treatment were included. Beneficial changes in liver fat favoured PUFA treatment (effect size=-0.97, 95% CI: -0.58 to -1.35, p<0.001). A benefit of PUFA vs. control was also observed for AST (effect size=-0.97, 95% CI: -0.13 to -1.82, p=0.02). There was a trend towards favouring PUFA treatment on ALT but this was not significant (effect size=-0.56, 95% CI: -1.16 to 0.03, p=0.06). Sub-analyses of only randomised control trials (RCTs) showed a significant benefit for PUFA vs. control on liver fat (effect size=-0.96, 95% CI: -0.43 to -1.48, p<0.001), but not for ALT (p=0.74) or AST (p=0.28). There was significant heterogeneity between studies. The pooled data suggest that omega-3 PUFA supplementation may decrease liver fat, however, the optimal dose is currently not known. Well designed RCTs which quantify the magnitude of effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on liver fat are needed.

Key Findings

Well designed RCTs which quantify the magnitude of effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on liver fat are needed.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 355
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Liver
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Liver
  • Male
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09