Vitamin E Intake Reduces Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease:Study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a prevalent chronic liver disorder with its severe manifestation which is often linked to oxidative stress. A recent study published in the Nature Scientific Reports uncovered promising evidence of the protective potential of Vitamin E against NAFLD.

This study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2020) to analyze the relationship between various forms of Vitamin E intake and the prevalence of NAFLD. The study focused on the dietary intake, supplementary use and total consumption of Vitamin E which found compelling associations with hepatic steatosis and NAFLD. This investigation included a total of 6122 participants and utilized liver ultrasound transient elastography to measure hepatic steatosis that represented as controlled attenuated parameter (CAP) scores. The diagnosis of NAFLD was based on specific CAP threshold values.

After meticulous adjustments for several covariates including demographics, lifestyle factors and medical conditions, this study unearthed significant inverse correlations between Vitamin E intake and NAFLD. The dietary Vitamin E intake demonstrated a robust protective effect against NAFLD with higher intake levels associated with reduced odds of the disease. Also, supplementary Vitamin E use expressed a notable inverse association with NAFLD prevalence, further suggesting its potential in reducing liver disease risk.

The findings also shed light on the importance of total Vitamin E intake by encompassing both dietary and supplemental forms in conferring protection against NAFLD. While the results showed a marginal improvement, it highlights the overall beneficial impact of Vitamin E on liver health. Also, the study highlighted variations in the protective effects of Vitamin E based on the presence of hyperlipidemia that suggests tailored approaches for different risk profiles. 

Reference:

Qi, X., Guo, J., Li, Y., Fang, C., Lin, J., Chen, X., & Jia, J. (2024). Vitamin E intake is inversely associated with NAFLD measured by liver ultrasound transient elastography. In Scientific Reports (Vol. 14, Issue 1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52482-w