The Effect of a Probiotic on Hepatic Steatosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an accumulation of fat and fibrous tissue in the liver. It is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. The exact cause of NAFLD is unknown, but it is more common among people with conditions such as adult-onset diabetes. NAFLD can strike people of all ages but most often affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Research indicates that overgrowth of gut bacteria can start a chain of biological processes that stress the liver, causing liver inflammation. Probiotics, living bacteria taken orally, may decrease the stress on the liver by reducing this bacterial overgrowth and/or strengthening the gut walls. Because probiotics are generally safe, inexpensive, and easy to tolerate they are an attractive treatment option for NAFLD.