Thursday Jan 23, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study in PLOS One suggests omega-3 fatty acids particularly Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can be more benefitial than previously thought.  Specifically, the study reveals omega-3 fatty acids protect against liver diseases including fatty liver, liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and sometimes liver failure.

Previous studies show omega-3 fatty acids affect lipid metabolism and inflammation.  The new study indicates that these fatty acids can have an impact on more than lipid metabolism. Omega-3 fatty acids can also affect vitamin and carbohydrate metabolism, protein and amino acid function, according to the new study.

Evidence shows that supplementation with DHA could partially or completely prevent unfavorable metabolic changes induced often times by the Western diet or high intake of red meat, sugar, saturated and refined grain products.   The study found that DHA helps control or prevent inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis.

The dose used in the laboratory animal study was equivalent to 2 to 4 grams of omega -3 fatty acids or DHA per day for a person.  DHA is found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.

In the U.S., 25% of the population and 75% of those who are obese suffer nonalcoholic fatty liver disease which can progress to develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. (David Liu, PHD)