This was a randomized placebo-control study of 55 patients with biopsy-proven NASH who received either oral betaine (20 g daily) or placebo for 12 months. Treatment groups were comparable at baseline. Of the 35 patients (17 betaine, 18 placebo) who completed the study, 34 patients (16 betaine, 18 placebo) underwent posttreatment liver biopsy.
Compared to placebo, betaine improved hepatic steatosis and may protect against worsening steatosis. High-dose betaine supplementation failed to reduce S-adenosylhomocysteine and did not positively affect any of the second hit mechanisms postulated to contribute to NASH.
Abdelmalek et al (2009). "Betaine for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial." Hepatology 50(6): 1818-26.
Monday, October 19, 2009
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