Nutritional correction of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with the inclusion of a dietary supplement containing omega-3 PUFAs

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver pathologies worldwide, affecting more than a quarter of the global population. The disease is closely associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Although the Mediterranean diet has proven effective, adherence to it remains challenging, driving interest in combination therapy that includes dietary supplements. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are of particular importance, with a deficiency rate of 68.5 % in the Russian Federation and even lower levels observed in NAFLD patients. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of the dietary supplement «Triple Omega-3 950 mg» (ZAO “Evalar”) as part of nutritional correction in patients with NAFLD at the steatosis stage. Materials and methods. An open-label comparative 6-month study enrolled 74 patients with NAFLD. The main group (n=50) received dietary therapy plus the supplement «Triple Omega-3 950 mg» (ZAO “Evalar”) (1 capsule/day: 950 mg omega-3 PUFAs, including not less than 550 mg EPA and not less than 230 mg DHA). The comparison group (n=24) received dietary therapy alone. Biochemical blood parameters, lipid profile, HOMA-IR index, liver enzymes, and abdominal ultrasound were assessed. Results. The main group demonstrated a significant reduction in triglycerides (from 1.29±0.06 to 1.08±0.08 mmol/L) and LDL cholesterol (from 116.3±5.04 to 103.96±3.3 mg/mL) compared to the comparison group (p<0.05). Glucose levels decreased by 19.4 % (vs. 10.6 %), and the HOMAIR index decreased by 29.5 % (vs. 18 %). A marked reduction in ALT (by 76.3 %), AST (by 51.9 %), and GGT (by 57.9 %) activity was recorded. The supplement was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Conclusion. The inclusion of the dietary supplement «Triple Omega-3 950 mg» (ZAO “Evalar”) in comprehensive dietary therapy for patients with NAFLD at the steatosis stage significantly improves lipid profile, reduces insulin resistance, alleviates cytolysis and cholestasis, and enhances patients’ quality of life. This product can be recommended as adjunctive therapy for NAFLD in combination with diet and physical activity.