Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Nutrition Interventions

Course overview

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the accumulation of fat within the cells and tissue of the liver in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption, is the most common liver disease in the U.S. Its incidence is on the rise and often goes undiagnosed. Estimates suggest that 20% to 40% of the adult population in western countries and 60% to 80% of patients with diabetes and/or obesity are affected by NAFLD. Although nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is less common, it can lead to life-threatening cirrhosis of the liver. Treatment for NAFLD consists of lifestyle modification with diet and exercise. There are no FDA-approved pharmacological agents for the treatment of NAFLD and NASH, although some medications have led to improvements in the disease and will be discussed. Goals for treatment are to prevent progression of liver disease and reverse the damage that is present. Learn the causes, diagnostic methodologies, progression, and treatment of NAFLD.