Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found primarily in fish oil, has been studied for its potential benefits in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver unrelated to alcohol consumption, often associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and insulin resistance. Scientific evidence suggests that EPA may help reduce hepatic fat content, improve liver enzyme levels, and decrease markers of liver inflammation. The proposed mechanisms include EPA’s ability to modulate lipid metabolism by inhibiting hepatic de novo lipogenesis (fat creation in the liver) and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. EPA also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by influencing the production of eicosanoids and cytokines, which are involved in liver inflammation and progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated modest improvements in liver fat and biochemical parameters in NAFLD patients supplemented with EPA or mixed omega-3 fatty acids. However, results are variable, and not all studies show significant benefit. While guidelines do not universally recommend EPA supplementation as standard therapy, the scientific rationale and growing body of clinical data support its adjunctive use, particularly in patients with dyslipidemia or those at risk of cardiovascular disease. Overall, the evidence is moderate (3 out of 5), warranting further large-scale, long-term studies to confirm efficacy and optimal dosing in fatty liver disease.

More about EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
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Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease

Other health conditions supported by EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Products containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)

Nature's Sunshine Circulatory System
Nature's Sunshine DHA
Nature's Sunshine Krill Oil (With Vitamin K2)
Nature's Sunshine Super Omega 3 EPA
Nature's Sunshine Super Omega 3 EPA
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio