This article originally appeared on eat clean
It’s no secret that B vitamins are nutritional powerhouses. These particular nutrients, of which there are eight in all, play a role in a number of physiological functions, from the construction of DNA to the development of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system. And they are particularly beneficial for your mood, stress levels and energy.
However, according to recent research, there may be even greater benefits if you make sure you get enough B vitamins in your daily diet. It could play a role in maintaining liver health and, for some liver conditions, holds promise as a treatment of the future.
B vitamins may be a promising potential treatment for common liver conditions
Researchers took a close look at the impact of B vitamins, specifically vitamin B12 and folic acid, on liver health in a study published in Journal of Hepatology.
Using preclinical models and human data, the researchers looked at how homocysteine levels increased as fatty liver disease progressed, specifically how nonalcoholic fatty liver disease turned into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis over time. They found that as liver homocysteine levels increased, the amino acids present also changed in typical structure and function. These changes actually prevented some liver proteins from transporting and digesting fat (or performing autophagy, a key cellular process within the body).
It also affected liver metabolism, mitochondrial turnover, and the ability to prevent inflammation. This, in turn, seemed to lead to worsening of the fatty liver disease.
However, when the researchers supplemented diets with vitamin B12 and folic acid in preclinical models, these two nutrients were able to restore autophagy. The supplements also helped slow the progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and reduced (and even reversed) inflammation in the liver.
The findings of this research suggest that vitamin B12 and folic acid may have the potential to positively impact liver health, specifically when it comes to people with fatty liver disease. These particular nutrients, in supplement form, may even have the potential to reverse fatty liver disease.
What is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat accumulates inside the liver. But it’s also kind of an umbrella term, as it includes a range of different liver conditions that affect people who drink little or no alcohol, but experience fat accumulation similar to that of people living with liver disease alcoholic fat.
NAFLD affects a surprisingly large number of people: 25 percent of all adults worldwide are living with the condition. And it’s closely linked to two other common health problems, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
As NAFLD progresses, it can lead to more liver problems such as cirrhosis, scarring, liver dysfunction, and an increased risk of liver cancer. The condition can also progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which currently has no known drug treatments available.
And, perhaps most important of all, both NAFLD and NASH can develop in almost anyone. as long as there is some health factors that can put you at higher risk, even those who avoid alcohol can develop NAFLD.
B vitamins may offer benefits in combination with proper nutrition
While the findings of this research study are exciting, especially when it comes to finding a potential treatment for NAFLD and NASH, scientists caution that more research is needed.
But with this early study, there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to the future of liver health and the treatment of both NAFLD and NASH. As stated by lead author Professor Paul M. Yen, Head of the Hormone Regulation Laboratory of the Duke-NUS Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, daily science“The potential of using vitamin B12 and folate, which have high safety profiles and are designated as dietary supplements by the US Food and Drug Administration, increases the health burden of NASH in both developed and developing countries.” “.
While more research is likely to evaluate these findings in the coming years, there are steps you can take to protect your liver and improve your health right now. If you’re diagnosed with a form of fatty liver disease, you can discuss potential nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, with your doctor and determine if supplements may be beneficial.
Additionally, you can also look into your daily diet for some liver health benefits. Previous research suggests that adding certain foods to your meals can help treat fatty liver disease, and some are incredibly easy to try (like coffee!) And there’s also research to suggest which foods and drinks may be potential contributors to NAFLD and NASH, which you can limit or consume in moderation.
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