Evidence supporting the use of: Eicosapentaenoic acid
For the health condition: Fatty Liver Disease

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Synopsis

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

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found primarily in fatty fish and fish oil supplements. Its use in supporting or treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and related liver conditions is backed by a moderate level of scientific evidence. Clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that supplementation with EPA, often in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can reduce hepatic fat accumulation, improve liver enzyme levels (such as ALT and AST), and improve lipid profiles in patients with NAFLD. The proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects, reduction of hepatic triglyceride synthesis, and improvement of insulin sensitivity. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews published in journals such as Hepatology and Journal of Hepatology have reported statistically significant, though sometimes modest, benefits. However, the studies often vary in dose, duration, and whether EPA is isolated or combined with other omega-3s, and not all trials have found significant improvements in liver histology or fibrosis.

While the evidence is not universally consistent or robust enough to be considered standard therapy, major hepatology guidelines (such as those from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) mention omega-3 fatty acids as a potential adjunct to lifestyle modification for NAFLD, particularly for improving hypertriglyceridemia. Therefore, the use of EPA for fatty liver disease is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence, but more large-scale, long-term studies are needed to establish its efficacy and optimal use.

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Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease

4-hydroxyisoleucine
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
Acacetin
Adzuki bean
Akkermansia muciniphila
Algae
algal oil
Algal protein
Alisma
Alpha methyl tetradecylthioacetic acid
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
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anemarrhena asphodeloides
anthocyanins
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apigenin
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arabinoxylan
argan nut oil
arjun tree
arjuna
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artichoke
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ashitaba
astaxanthin
astragaloside
avocado
baicalein
baicalin
banaba
barberry
barley
beet
berberine
Berberis (unspecified)
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bile acid
black garlic
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borotutu
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brutieridin
butyrate triglyceride
butyric acid
camelina oil
carnosic acid
carqueja
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chebulic acid
chia seed
chicory
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chlorella
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choline
coix
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copalchi
coriander
corilagin
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cruciferous
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dandelion
danshen
decursin
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
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dihydromyricetin
diosgenin
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EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epicatechin
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ergothioneine
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erythrodiol
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Products containing eicosapentaenoic acid

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