Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver disease present in children and adolescent due to rising obesity. A study was conducted using seven databases to determine effectiveness of dietary interventions, antioxidant supplementation, physical activity, and nutritional and psychologic counseling in the treatment of these patients.

The dietary and physical activity interventions used on patients had different duration, but majorly were carried out for one year. Among which ascorbic acid, vitamin E, or omega-3 fatty acid supplementation were the most used interventions. Other variables undergone various degree of improvement in the majority of the studies, such as a decrease in ALT levels, a reduced frequency of steatosis determined through imaging studies, and a decrease in body mass index.

The outcome of the study revealed that benefits of dietary interventions, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, physical activity, and nutritional and psychologic counseling were observed in the treatment of non alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with obesity in children and adolescents. These results were assisted by biochemical or imaging study indicators, within the time frame of the intervention.

Source: Rev Gastroenterol Mex. 2019;84(2):185-194.