The liver is a vital organ involved in hundreds of functions in your body, including bile production, protein synthesis and converting harmful ammonia to urea. In addition, it regulates amino acids and blood clotting. Fish oil, which contains the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, may be beneficial for liver health.
Liver Cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer with a high mortality rate. Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh investigated the impact of treating hepatocellular carcinoma with DHA and EPA in mice. They observed that DHA and EPA inhibited cell growth in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas omega-6 fatty acids had no effect. Although these results are promising, further research is needed. The findings were reported in the November 2009 issue of "Molecular Cancer Therapeutics."
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can be caused by a variety of reasons, including high triglycerides, obesity, diabetes and excess cholesterol. Researchers at Rabin Medical Center in Israel performed a review of scientific literature regarding the effects of omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for hepatic steatosis, a common form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. They concluded that omega-3 supplementation was effective in reducing hepatic steatosis in adults, according to findings reported in the February 2011 issue of "Clinical Nutrition."
Inflammation
One of the ways fish oil might protect the liver is by reducing inflammation, according to an animal study conducted by researchers at Kansas State University. They fed rats a diet with corn oil or fish oil plus corn oil for four weeks and then were injected with monocrotaline, a toxin that causes liver inflammation and damage. Scientists reported in the June 2002 issue of "Toxicology" that those in the fish oil plus corn oil group significantly reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis normally associated with monocrotaline compared with the corn oil group.
Interactions
If you plan on taking fish oil supplements, keep in mind that they interact with several medications, including blood-thinning medications, cyclosporine and topical steroids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Speak to your health care provider before taking fish oil.
References
- "Molecular Cancer Therapeutics"; Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Growth Through Blocking Beta-Catenin and Cyclooxygenase-2; K. Lim et al.; November 2009
- "Clinical Nutrition"; The Therapeutic Potential of Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; H. Shapiro et al.; February 2011
- "Toxicology"; Dietary Fish Oil Protects Against Lung and Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Monocrotaline Treated Rats; R.C. Baybutt et al.; June 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; 2011
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