Doctors Reveal the Best Fatty Liver Supplements, Including an Amazonian Fruit Making Headlines

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While fatty liver is not necessarily a dangerous health concern in the early stages, there are ways to reverse the condition before serious damage occurs. Healthy lifestyle habits, including moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, following a diet filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce fatty liver risk. Now, research suggests certain fatty liver supplements (including a trendy Amazonian fruit) may offer benefits, too.

What is fatty liver?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was recently renamed to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in order to better represent the condition. Fatty liver is as the name suggests: a buildup of fat in the liver.

Certain health conditions including obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes increase the likelihood of developing MASLD. And it’s also more common among post-menopausal women.

Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are key steps toward preventing — or reversing — fatty liver disease. But supplements can also play a role in reducing liver fat.

New study shows Amazonian fruit may improve fatty liver

Camu camu is a small red berry native to the Amazon rainforest. The fruit is filled with antioxidants, fiber and other beneficial plant compounds.

In a recent study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, researchers found that giving overweight and hypertriglyceridemic adults just 1.5 grams (less than ? tsp.) of camu camu powder per day for 12 weeks led to a 16 percent reduction in liver fat compared to a placebo.

The study also found that taking camu camu supplements decreased levels of two key liver enzymes, ALT and AST, which present in high levels in people with fatty liver disease. One to try: Navitas Organics Camu Powder.

The best fatty liver supplements

While camu camu powder is the latest supplement that research suggests might help fatty liver, it’s far from the only one. And while there are currently no vitamins or supplements proven to substantially affect fatty liver, it doesn't hurt to make room in your diet for those that may help, notes Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health.

Here, seven of the best supplements for fatty liver.

1. Milk thistle

Milk thistle may help protect liver cells with its antioxidant silymarin, says Dr. Dasgupta. He suggests taking 140 to 420 mg in capsule form daily. Look for brands that standardize silymarin content and check for quality. One to try: Puritan's Pride Milk Thistle. 

Tip: If you experience mild stomach issues as a side effect of the supplement, ginger tea or peppermint can help, he adds.

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D may improve liver health and reduce inflammation, says Dr. Dasgupta. A typical dose is 1,000 to 4,000 IU daily, preferably vitamin D3. He recommends looking for products without artificial additives. One to try: NatureWise Vitamin D3.

Take this supplement with food and drink plenty of water to avoid side effects such as nausea and constipation, he notes.

3. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

NAC is required to make glutathione, which is a potent antioxidant that decreases free radical damage, explains Jennie Stanford, MD, Obesity Medicine Physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch.

“It is also known to increase the liver’s ability to filter toxins and may improve overall liver function in cases of NAFLD,” she says. “Take it in a total daily dose of about 1,000 mg, usually divided into twice-daily dosing.”

You’ll want to choose pure NAC and avoid supplements with unnecessary additives, says Dr. Dasgupta. To ease stomach issues, take the supplement with meals or drink ginger tea, he adds. One to try: Health Thru Nutrition NAC N-Acetyl-Cysteine.

4. Berberine

Berberine is derived from a plant, and studies suggest it may have many benefits for metabolic health, says Dr. Stanford. It’s been shown to improve insulin functioning, lower blood glucose, promote weight loss, improve markers of NAFLD and promote better sleep, she adds.

For metabolic benefits, consider taking 500-1,000 mg three times daily. One to try: Nature Made Better Absorption Berberine Phytosome.

Note: Taking berberine may lead to sleepiness, cautions Dr. Stanford.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant known to lower inflammation, including in the liver. Curcumin is best absorbed when taken with piperine (the active ingredient in black pepper). And dosing 2-3 times per day with meals may deliver better results. One to try: Turmeric Curcumin with Bioperine.

Note: Curcumin could alter the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications, so talk to your doctor about any potential interactions before supplementing.

6. Omega-3 fatty acids

Taking an omega-3 fatty acids fish oil supplement (with DHA and EPA) can lower liver inflammation, oxidative stress and the impact of NAFLD, says Dr. Stanford. Opt for an enteric-coated variety to help prevent a fishy aftertaste, she says.

Take 1 to 3 grams daily, suggests Dr. Dasgupta, who notes you can also get the supplement from cold-pressed flaxseed oil if you prefer. One omega-3 supplement to try: Nature Made Extra Strength Burp Less Omega 3 Fish Oil.

7. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin known to lower inflammation and reduce the damage associated with free radicals, explains Dr. Stanford. Inflammation and oxidative stress are big factors in NAFLD, she says, which is why vitamin E supplementation could be beneficial.

Tip: Take it with a meal containing healthy fats for best absorption, she suggests. A common dose is 400 IU daily, usually in capsule form, adds Dr. Dasgupta. He also recommends opting for natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) instead of synthetic types. One to try: NatureWise Vitamin E 400 IU Softgels.

For more on fatty liver:

Top Doctors Reveal Their 7 Best Fatty Liver Disease Self-Care Tips: Weight Lifting, Waling, More

Your Guide to a Fatty Liver Diet: MD Reveals What To Eat and What To Avoid

Can Fatty Liver Be Reversed? Doctors Say This Simple Drink Swap Can Help

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.