A 12-WEEK flaxseed powder intervention significantly improved liver fat content, body composition, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), highlighting its potential as a natural dietary treatment.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing global health concern, with dietary interventions emerging as a promising strategy for its management. Flaxseed, known for its health benefits, has shown potential in animal studies, but its effects on human NAFLD remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate whether flaxseed powder could reduce liver lipid content and improve metabolic markers in patients with NAFLD, while also exploring its impact on gut microbiota composition.
In this 12-week randomised controlled trial, 50 patients with NAFLD were divided into two groups: the flaxseed group (n=25) received 30 g/day of flaxseed powder alongside health education, while the control group (n=25) received health education alone. Liver fat content was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging, and secondary outcomes included body composition, liver function, and glucolipid metabolism. Results showed that the flaxseed group experienced significant reductions in liver fat content, body fat percentage, visceral fat area, and serum markers such as total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and triglycerides (P<0.05). Beneficial increases were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1. Gut microbiota analysis revealed increased abundance of beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, alongside a decreased Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and reduced levels of harmful bacteria such as Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 (P<0.05).
These findings suggest that flaxseed powder is a natural and effective dietary intervention for improving NAFLD. It not only reduces liver fat and enhances metabolic health but also positively modulates gut microbiota. Future research should explore long-term effects and optimal dosages, while clinicians may consider incorporating flaxseed into dietary recommendations for patients with NAFLD.
Katheeja Imani, EMJ
Reference
Tian Y et al. Flaxseed powder supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Food Funct. 2025 Feb 17;16(4):1389-06.
