Lipoic acid may protect against liver disease

The number of people who have received unhealthy liver panel tests continues to grow, as large segments of the population have now been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, a new study suggests that a powerful antioxidant may be one way to address the problem.

A team of researchers from the University of Navarra in Spain tested the effectiveness of lipoic acid in preventing the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice fed high-fat diets. Consuming excess amounts of fat is considered a major risk factor for the condition.

The results showed that mice that were fed the antioxidant in addition to the high fat diet accumulated 68 percent less fat in their livers. This prevented these animals from developing fatty liver disease.

The researchers said the findings suggest that lipoic acid may represent a viable preventive approach in individuals who are at risk of developing fatty liver disease. Given the degree to which rates of the condition are increasing, this could mark a major advancement in treating the liver disease.