Why is important to maintain a healthy liver.
The liver is the largest gland in the human body, consisting of 4 different types of cells: hepatocytes (HC), which make up 80% of the liver volume, hepatic stellate cells (HSC), Kupffer cells (KC) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC). The liver performs so many important functions for the body, and especially is responsible for the production of bile to emulsify fats and make possible their absorption by the gut, gluconeogenesis, synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides, eliminates toxic substances, and metabolizes drugs and active ingredients.
Why it is important not to neglect a fatty liver.
It is called fatty liver, or Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), the excess of fat accumulation within the hepatocytes. Under normal conditions, a certain amount of fat is concentrated in the liver, but when the percentage exceeds 5% of its total weight, then occurs NAFLD. This is a very common and steadily increasing problem: in fact, the most recent data show that 1 in 4 adults has fatty liver. It is a condition that shows a high prevalence in the obese (54-90%), in metabolic syndrome (78.8%), and in diabetes mellitus (70-80%) [1], thus it is proposed to named as metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Causes are mainly due to high fat diets, thus leading to overweight and/or obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders, hypertriglyceridemia or hypercholesterolemia, the use of certain drugs, or genetic mutations. NAFLD does not present symptoms, so it is generally recommended to perform periodic targeted checks, such as blood tests, primarily transaminases, and abdominal ultrasound to get an accurate diagnosis, and if necessary to investigate further with more specific methods and evaluate the most appropriate approach.
NAFLD is reversible, but if fatty accumulation in the liver persists, with exacerbation of inflammation and fibrosis it can lead to steatohepatitis or NASH (Non-Alcoholic steatohepatitis), which can further progress to cirrhosis, an irreversible, chronic, degenerative liver disease. There are several hypothesized mechanisms of progression of NAFLD to NASH, starting with excess caloric consumption and/or physical inactivity that can induce hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and elevated levels of proinflammatory factors, followed by oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, altered gut microbiota, and mitochondrial dysfunction[2].
In case of fatty liver, it is important to follow a healthy diet, exercise on a regular basis, reduce fats, alcohol and sugars, and consult the doctor for targeted advice.
Deltha Pharma has developed Epatoril PRO®, a unique and innovative dietary supplement for the hepatoprotection line, based on choline, glutathione, selenium, zinc, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus. Thanks to the action of these ingredients, Epatoril Pro® can be a valuable aid to liver health: choline is an essential nutrient, produced in small amounts by the body, and most concentrated in the liver contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function, normal lipid metabolism, and normal homocysteine metabolism. Glutathione (GSH), is a natural tripeptide, present in cells in ubiquitous form and particularly concentrated in the liver, and is considered the most important antioxidant at the cellular level. Selenium is a trace element, which performs many functions in the body, and contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to the normal function of the immune system. Zinc contributes to normal fatty acid and macronutrient metabolism and cell protection from oxidative stress; scientific studies show that its deficiency is often observed in subjects with liver dysfunction [3]. Up to date, the scientific literature increasingly gives space to the association between the development of liver disease and the gut microbiota, so the presence of the two probiotics, Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, makes the product complete and innovative.
Does not contain gluten and lactose
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Vegetarian gastro-resistant capsules
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Disclaimer: The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute other medical advice for specific medical conditions. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
[1]Steatosi epatica non alcolica 2021. Linee guida per la pratica clinica dell’Associazione Italiana per lo Studio del Fegato (AISF), della Società Italiana di Diabetologia (SID) e della Società Italiana dell’Obesità (SIO)
[2]Hu H, Lin A, Kong M, Yao X, Yin M, Xia H, Ma J, Liu H. Intestinal microbiome and NAFLD: molecular insights and therapeutic perspectives. J Gastroenterol. 2020 Feb;55(2):142-158. doi: 10.1007/s00535-019-01649-8.
[3]3Kim MC, Lee JI, Kim JH, Kim HJ, Cho YK, Jeon WK, et al. (2020) Serum zinc level and hepatic fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. PLoS ONE 15(10): e0240195. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240195