Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit some people with liver disease. But research is inconclusive.
Steatotic liver disease (SLD), previously known as fatty liver disease (FLD), refers to a group of conditions in which excessive fat builds up in the liver.
Some liver fat is normal, but excess liver fat could impact liver function and lead to serious complications.
There are two types of SLD. These have been renamed in 2023 by global liver societies to help reduce stigma and more accurately reflect the underlying causes of these conditions:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): This condition involves a buildup of fat in the liver, but it causes little to no inflammation or liver damage. It used to be called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH): This is a more severe type of fatty liver disease involving liver inflammation and other changes, such as cirrhosis (scarring). It used to be called non-alcoholic-associated steatohepatitis (NASH).
According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Guidelines and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), vitamin E supplements may be beneficial for certain people with MASLD and MASH.
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved vitamin E supplements for treating SLD, and not all studies fully support their purported benefits. It’s important to work with a doctor to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Keep reading to learn more about the possible benefits of vitamin E for SLD and how much to take.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound known for its
According to the AASLD, vitamin E supplementation may also help in the treatment of MASH by:
- reducing levels of the enzyme aminotransferase, a marker of liver damage
- protecting liver cells from inflammation
- reducing cellular ballooning, which is when liver cells get bigger and appear large and round, like balloons
- preventing the buildup of fat and fat-induced damage
Furthermore, a 2020 review also found that vitamin E supplementation may help reduce liver fibrosis (scarring) in adults and children living with MASH.
There are no official guidelines on how much vitamin E to take for hepatic steosis (fatty liver).
Research suggests that a daily dosage of 400 to 800 International Units (IU) (180 to 360 milligrams) taken for 3 to 24 months may help relieve inflammation in people with SLD. This can be taken as a single dose or divided into two doses.
Some studies also found that vitamin E may contribute to slowing down liver scarring and other complications when taken in combination with other supplements and medications, including:
- Vitamin C: 500 mg per day
- Pioglitazone: 45 mg per day
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA): 12 to 15 mg per kilogram of bodyweight per day
Despite these findings, however, it’s important to note that none of these medications and supplements are FDA-approved for treating SLD, and other research has found mixed results.
A healthcare professional can help develop the best treatment plan for you, which may include a combination of lifestyle, dietary, and medical treatments.
Researchers are still trying to determine who might benefit from taking vitamin E supplements for SLD.
The AASLD notes that vitamin E supplementation may benefit people with MASH who don’t have diabetes.
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Researchers are still trying to understand the possible side effects of vitamin E supplementation for SLD.
According to a 2024 review, the following side effects have been reported across various studies:
The AASLD notes that vitamin E supplementation may also be linked to prostate cancer and stroke, but the evidence is inconclusive. More research is needed to understand the possible side effects of vitamin E supplementation.
There’s currently no cure or specific medical treatment for SLD. Lifestyle and dietary changes are considered the primary treatment for SLD and other liver conditions.
If you’re living with MASLD or MASH, the following natural remedies may help manage your condition:
- maintaining a healthy-for-you weight
- eating a well-balanced diet of nutrient-dense whole foods
- exercising regularly
- managing other health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and stress
- trying some herbal remedies, such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic
A healthcare professional could help develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.
Steatotic liver disease refers to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), two conditions in which excessive fat builds up in the liver.
Some healthcare organizations and researchers have found that vitamin E supplementation may help improve markers of liver disease, reduce oxidative stress, and reduce liver inflammation.
However, the research is inconclusive, and more studies are needed.
If you’re living with MASLD or MASH, consider speaking with a doctor before trying vitamin E supplements. A doctor can help you decide whether vitamin E is right for you.