Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Palmitoleic acid is a monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid found in some plant and animal fats. Its use in supporting or treating Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is based on preliminary scientific evidence rather than traditional or folk medicine. Several animal studies and a limited number of small human trials suggest that palmitoleic acid may help reduce liver fat accumulation, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease inflammation—factors all implicated in fatty liver disease. For example, a 2014 study in mice (Journal of Lipid Research) found that palmitoleic acid supplementation reduced hepatic steatosis and improved markers of metabolic health. Some human studies using purified palmitoleic acid have reported modest improvements in liver enzymes and reductions in markers of inflammation and LDL cholesterol, which are relevant to NAFLD pathology. However, these clinical studies are typically small, short-term, and do not consistently use liver imaging or biopsy to confirm reduced liver fat.

Despite these promising signals, the overall body of evidence supporting palmitoleic acid for fatty liver disease is still limited in both quality and quantity. There is a lack of large-scale, long-duration randomized controlled trials in humans. Therefore, while the rationale for use is scientifically grounded, it is currently supported by only preliminary evidence. More robust studies are needed to verify efficacy and safety before palmitoleic acid can be recommended as a standard adjunctive therapy for NAFLD.

More about palmitoleic acid
More about Fatty Liver Disease

Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease

Other health conditions supported by palmitoleic acid

Products containing palmitoleic acid

Metagenics OmegaGenics Fish Oil Mega 10®
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Synergy
Designs For Health OmegAvail™ Synergy