Low-Carbohydrate Diets Show Effectiveness in Reducing Risk and Regressing Fatty Liver Disease

A new clinical study published at the end of September 2025 revealed significant benefits of low-carbohydrate diets in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). According to the results, such diets promote accelerated regression of liver fat degeneration, improve lipid profile indicators, and reduce insulin resistance in patients.

Low-carbohydrate diets involve limiting carbohydrate intake to 50–130 grams per day or 10–40% of total caloric intake, while stricter options, including the ketogenic diet, reduce carbohydrates to 20–50 grams per day. This leads to increased utilization of fat stores for energy, contributing to weight loss and reduced fat deposits in the liver.

Results of Clinical Studies

• In one study, a 12-week application of a ketogenic diet in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, liver dysfunction, and obesity significantly improved liver function, reduced body weight and blood glucose levels, and led to the resolution of fatty liver dystrophy in most participants, surpassing standard pharmacological treatment.
• A two-week study showed a 42% reduction in liver triglyceride levels in NAFLD patients following a ketogenic diet compared to a calorie-restricted diet.
• A very low-calorie ketogenic diet resulted in significant weight loss, decreased visceral fat, and reduced fat deposits in the liver compared to a standard low-calorie diet.

Benefits of Low-Carbohydrate Nutrition in Fatty Hepatosis

Low-carbohydrate diets not only contribute to reducing liver fat but also normalize insulin levels, which plays a key role in treating NAFLD. Appetite is reduced, insulin resistance decreases, and a high protein intake supports the preservation of muscle mass and overall metabolism.

Additionally, the ketogenic diet positively affects cognitive functions by providing the brain with a stable energy source in the form of ketones, reducing oxidative stress and improving memory and attention, which is particularly important for patients with neurological conditions.

Recommendations for Patients

• Individual selection of a low-carbohydrate diet considering overall health status.
• Reduction of fast carbohydrates: sugars, pastries, sweet drinks, and products high in fructose.
• Monitoring carbohydrate levels with possible use of the ketogenic diet under specialist supervision.

Thus, low-carbohydrate nutrition becomes one of the key elements of a comprehensive strategy for the treatment and prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.