Flaxseed oil in the context of a weight loss programme ameliorates fatty liver grade in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised double-blind controlled trial

Abstract

Long-chain n-3 fatty acids have been shown to regulate lipid metabolism and reduce fat accumulation in the liver. This trial investigated the effect of flaxseed oil, as a rich source of α-linolenic acid, on fatty liver and cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The randomised, double-blind, controlled trial was performed on sixty-eight NAFLD patients who were divided into flaxseed (n 34) and sunflower (n 34) oil groups. Patients were given a hypoenergetic diet (−2092 kJ/d) and 20 g/d of the corresponding oil for 12 weeks. Fatty liver grade, liver enzymes and cardiometabolic parameters were determined. The intention-to-treat approach was used for data analysis. Fatty liver grade significantly decreased in both groups (−0·68 in flaxseed v. −0·29 in sunflower, P = 0·002). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase decreased in both groups (P < 0·01). Also, significant reduction was observed in blood glucose (P = 0·005) and fat mass (P = 0·01) in the flaxseed and muscle mass (P = 0·01) in the sunflower group. However, none of these alterations was significantly different between the groups. Weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were significantly decreased in both groups but only weight change was significantly different between the groups (P = 0·01). IL-6 did not significantly change in either group but showed a significant between-group difference (P = 0·03). Overall, the results showed that in the context of a low-energy diet and moderate physical activity, flaxseed oil may benefit NAFLD patients to improve fatty liver grade, weight and IL-6 compared with sunflower oil.

Camelina oil in the context of a weight loss programs improves glucose homeostasis, inflammation and oxidative stress in NAFLD patients: A randomized, triple -blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

“…It has been reported that a 5% reduction in BMI results in a 25% decrease in the lipid content of the liver. 29 Our results on body weight and BMI are in agreement with Rezaei et al 4 and with a systematic review and metaanalysis of FSO supplementation on body weight in overweight and obese adults. 30 However, some trials did not report the beneficial impacts of the CSO on anthropometric indices.…”

“…3 The occurrence of NAFLD is closely linked with an increased prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress (OS), and cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes diseases. 4 According the "two-it" model and "multi-parallel hit" hypothesis, IR, increased free radical oxidation products and decreased total antioxidant capacity result in NAFLD progression. Furthermore, dysbiotic has been proposed as a critical risk factor for NAFLD development .…”

Flaxseed Oil Supplementation Augments Antioxidant Capacity and Alleviates Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…The general characteristics of the studies are included in Table 1 . Eight studies were conducted in Iran [ 11 , 20 , 23 , 24 , 32 – 34 ] and 1 in Brazil [ 35 ]. Participants of these studies had gestational diabetes mellitus [ 11 ], diabetic nephropathy [ 23 ], nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [ 34 ], metabolic syndrome [ 33 , 35 ], diabetic foot ulcer [ 32 ], type 2 diabetes with coronary heart disease [ 24 ], and hemodialysis [ 20 ].…”

“…e blinding of subjects and researchers was reported in six studies. Five studies [11,23,24,32,34] were judged to be of high quality.…”

Protective Effects of Flax Seed Oil on Body Weight Changes Caused by Caffeinated Energy Drink in Adult Male Albino Rats

“…27 Furthermore Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ALA in flax seed oil not only regulate lipid metabolism but also ameliorated visceral and peripheral fat accumulation by reduction in production of cholesterol , triglycerides, LDL and VLDL. 28…”