Grant: Operating Grant

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a spectrum of conditions associated with fat accumulation in the liver. In its more advanced form, fatty liver disease can become non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cause significant damage to liver cells. It represents a significant health care concern as it is associated with liver failure, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The disease occurs in those who consume little or no alcohol but instead is closely associated with obesity. Currently there are no approved drugs or surgeries to treat NAFLD and weight loss through lifestyle changes remains the key recommendation for patients. New strategies to manage the disease are desperately needed. There is compelling evidence that the diverse communities of bacteria that live in the intestine contribute to obesity and its associated diseases including NAFLD. Prebiotic fibres are non-digestible carbohydrates that help control food intake, improve glucose control and beneficially modify gut bacteria. The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to examine the effect of prebiotic fibre supplementation on fat accumulation and injury in the liver of adults that have NAFLD. Since prebiotic fibre targets multiple areas of metabolic health, other factors such as appetite regulation, body composition and glucose control will also be tested. Preliminary results from work in our lab with NASH patients show excellent potential for prebiotic fibre to improve disease status.