This article originally appeared on Clean Eating.
It's no secret that B vitamins are nutritional powerhouses. These eight special nutrients play a role in a variety of physiological functions, from DNA building to red blood cell development and the proper functioning of the nervous system. And they are especially good for your mood, stress levels and energy.
However, according to recent research, there may be even more benefits to making sure you get plenty of B vitamins in your daily diet. It may play a role in keeping your liver healthy and may show promise as a future treatment for certain liver conditions.
B vitamins may show promise as a potential treatment for common liver disease
In a study published in the Journal of Hepatology , researchers looked closely at the effects of B vitamins, especially vitamin B12 and folic acid, on liver health .
Using preclinical models and human data, the researchers studied how homocysteine levels increase as fatty liver disease progresses, specifically how nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progresses over time to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. They found that as the level of homocysteine in the liver increased, the structure and inherent function of the amino acids present also changed. These changes actually prevented certain liver proteins (or autophagy, a key cellular process in the body) from transporting and digesting fats.
It also affected liver metabolism, mitochondrial metabolism and the ability to prevent inflammation. This, in turn, seemed to set the stage for the worsening of fatty liver disease.
However, when researchers added vitamin B12 and folic acid to the diet in preclinical models, these two nutrients were able to restore autophagy. The supplements also helped slow the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and reduce (and even reverse) liver inflammation.
The results of this study suggest that vitamin B12 and folic acid may have beneficial effects on liver health, especially in people with fatty liver disease. These specific nutrients can even prevent fatty liver disease in supplement form.
What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver . But it is also a broad term because it covers a number of different liver diseases that affect people who drink little or no alcohol but have fat accumulation, such as in people with alcoholic fatty liver disease. :
NAFLD affects a surprisingly large number of people; 25% of adults worldwide live with the disease. And it is closely linked to two other common health problems: obesity and type 2 diabetes.
As NAFLD progresses, it can lead to other liver problems such as cirrhosis, scarring, liver dysfunction and an increased risk of liver cancer. The disease can also progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), for which no pharmacological treatment is currently known.
And most importantly, NAFLD and NASH can develop in almost anyone. Although some health factors can put you at greater risk, even those who avoid alcohol can develop NAFLD.
B vitamins can be beneficial when combined with an appropriate diet.
While the results of this study are impressive, especially as we strive to find potential treatments for NAFLD and NASH, the scientists caution that more research is needed.
But with this preliminary study, there are many things to worry about in the future of liver health, as well as NAFLD and NASH. As lead author, Professor Paul M. Yen, Head of the Laboratory for Hormone Regulation in the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program at Duke-NUS; Dietary supplements approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as first-line therapy for the prevention and treatment of NASH can lead to large cost savings and reduced health burden of NASH in developed and developing countries.
Although these findings will likely be verified by more research in the coming years, there are steps you can take now to protect and keep your liver healthy. If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver, you should discuss possible nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folic acid with your doctor and see if they can help.
Additionally, you can monitor your daily diet for certain liver health benefits. Previous research has shown that adding certain foods to your diet can help fight fatty liver disease, and some are incredibly easy to try (like coffee). In addition, there are studies showing which foods and beverages may contribute to the development of NAFLD and NASH. restriction or moderation of consumption.
Recipe suggestion: Mussels in Salsa Verde with Sherry
Subscribe to Outside+ today for exclusive access to all our fitness, gear, adventure and travel stories, plus discounts on travel, activities and gear.