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The Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Pilot Study

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Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an increasingly common condition that may progress to hepatic cirrhosis. This pilot study evaluated the effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on obesity-associated fatty liver disease. Five patients with a mean body mass index of 36.4 kg/m2 and biopsy evidence of fatty liver disease were instructed to follow the diet (<20 g/d of carbohydrate) with nutritional supplementation for 6 months. Patients returned for group meetings biweekly for 3 months, then monthly for the second 3 months. The mean weight change was −12.8 kg (range 0 to −25.9 kg). Four of 5 posttreatment liver biopsies showed histologic improvements in steatosis (P=.02) inflammatory grade (P=.02), and fibrosis (P=.07). Six months of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet led to significant weight loss and histologic improvement of fatty liver disease. Further research is into this approach is warranted.

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Acknowledgment

This study was partially funded by an unrestricted research grant from the Robert C. Atkins Foundation. Dr. Yancy was supported by a Veterans’ Affairs Health Services Research Career Development Award (RCD 02-183-1)

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Correspondence to Eric C. Westman.

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Tendler, D., Lin, S., Yancy, W.S. et al. The Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Pilot Study. Dig Dis Sci 52, 589–593 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9433-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9433-5

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