[The significance of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Today, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common chronic liver disease, yet there is no clearly accepted effective therapy. What is certain is that the number of people suffering from the disease is increasing, making prevention, treatment and recognition of co-morbidities of paramount importance. Current evidence suggests that the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may be due to pathological factors of different origins. The main risk factors include genetic factors, acquired environmental influences and lifestyle. Lifestyle modification, i.e., the elimination or reduction of these harmful factors, can reverse liver damage, depending on the stage of the disease. In this summary statement, we review the pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, risk factors and therapeutic options, within that in particular lifestyle modification (dietary changes, increasing physical activity, weight loss). Furthermore, we also show the importance of omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in detail. With our knowledge, the personalized treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be elaborated. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(33): 1294-1299.