16 November 2015
Experts call for research on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common form of chronic liver disease in children.
In a new review, a group of international scientists evaluated the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common form of chronic liver disease in children with metabolic syndrome (1). According to the latest research, several factors can contribute to NAFLD development, including race/ethnicity, genetic factors and environmental exposures. Diagnosing advanced disease, potentially leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, is challenging and may require a liver biopsy, highlighting the urgent need for reliable, noninvasive markers of disease severity. The mainstay of treatment for NAFLD remains lifestyle modifications and weight loss. Studies indicated that omega-3 fatty acids may ameliorate disease progression (2) and that vitamin E may be considered as a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-specific therapy in children (3).
The researchers noted that NAFLD is increasingly becoming a concern among pediatricians and is being seen in younger children due to the rise of the obesity epidemic. Given the relationship between lifestyle choices and NAFLD and considering the role of oxidative stress in the pathology of NAFLD, researchers have been investigating the use of vitamin E supplementation on ameliorating this problem. In adults, vitamin E supplementation has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with more advanced liver disease (4). Data in children, however, have been slightly mixed, yet still hold the potential to show a benefit with further research (3). With over one-third of American children being classified as overweight or obese, there is increasing awareness of the consequences of the childhood obesity epidemic. NAFLD is one such consequence in which fat accumulates in the liver, resulting in inflammation and disruptions in liver function, with the potential to result in liver failure.
9 January 2013
According to a new review, many sections of the population are still not getting enough vitamin D despite opportunities for enhancing intakes via fortified foods and supplements.
8 February 2010
Adding the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to infant formula may improve the visual acuity of the infants, says a new clinical trial.
1 May 2014
The formation of cell membranes as well as many other physiological functions crucially depends on the availability of sufficient amounts of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eico- sapentaenoic acid (EPA). Omega-3 fatty acids appear to have a key function in the formation, growth and regeneration of cells and in the transmission of cell signals throughout life. During pregnancy and breastfeed- ing the essential polyunsaturated fatty acids are already playing an important role in the development of the infant brain and eye cells. Studies found that omega-3 fatty acids could also improve sight and brain function in adults. Fatty acids are needed for the production of hormone-like substances (eicosanoids) which act in the body in multiple ways. Hence fatty acids appear to be involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, blood pressure, immune system, inflammatory processes and psychological wellbeing. An adequate intake of ome- ga-3 fatty acids could therefore help in the prevention of many diseases.
