Miriam Cofano, Vito Giannuzzi, Rosa Anna Milella, Gianluigi Giannelli, Valentina De Nunzio, Valeria Tutino, Anna Maria Cisternino, Maria Notarnicola, Luigi Fontana, Rossella Donghia, Marianna Zappimbulso
Journal: Nutrients 2024;16(18):
PMID: 39339791
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common liver condition linked to excess fat in the liver, often due to poor diet and metabolic imbalance. Emerging research suggests that natural foods rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, such as citrus fruits, may support liver health. This study aimed to explore whether eating an orange daily could reduce liver fat in people diagnosed with MASLD. This research was a 12-week randomised controlled clinical trial involving adult patients with MASLD. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group that consumed one orange (200 mL equivalent) daily alongside their usual diet. Results showed that after 12 weeks, the group consuming daily oranges showed a significant reduction in the prevalence of liver fat accumulation. Improvements were also noted in markers of liver health and metabolic function. The authors concluded that regular orange consumption may be a simple, safe, and effective dietary strategy to help reduce liver fat in people with MASLD. These findings are clinically relevant for healthcare practitioners because they suggest that including natural whole foods like oranges in dietary recommendations may support liver health in MASLD patients without the need for complex interventions.
: Consumption of flavonoid-rich orange juice has been shown to reduce adiposity and liver steatosis in murine models of diet-induced obesity. However, little is known about the effects of whole orange intake, independent of body weight changes, on liver function and steatosis in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The goal is to understand the direct impact of orange consumption on metabolic health. : Sixty-two men and women aged 30-65 with MASLD (Controlled Attenuation Parameter, (CAP) > 275 dB/m) were randomly assigned to consume either 400 g of whole oranges or non-citrus fruits daily for 4 weeks. Baseline evaluations included medical assessments, blood tests, and body composition. Liver health was assessed using transient elastography (FibroScan) for steatosis and fibrosis, conducted by blinded personnel. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05558592). : After 4 weeks of orange supplementation, liver steatosis decreased in the treatment group, with 70.9% showing steatosis compared to 100% in controls ( < 0.004), indicating a 30% reduction in liver disease prevalence. There were no significant changes in fibrosis or plasma liver enzymes, though plasma gamma glutaril transferase (GGT) levels decreased significantly. Body weight, waist circumference, body composition, lipid profile, fasting glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein levels remained unchanged. Dietary analysis revealed no change in caloric intake, but vitamins C, A, thiamine, and riboflavin increased in the orange group. : Our findings suggest that phytochemical-rich foods, especially whole fruits like oranges, may enhance liver function as an adjunct treatment for MASLD. The notable reduction in liver steatosis prevalence occurred independently of body weight changes. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of orange supplementation on steatosis and fibrosis progression and to identify the specific bioactive compounds and mechanisms involved.
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