ROLE OF NUTRIENTS IN NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disorder that refers to a group of conditions where there is accumulation of excess fat in the liver of people who drink little to no alcohol. The most common form of NAFLD is a non serious condition called fatty liver (Naim Alkhouri, MD, et al. 2012). In NAFLD, simple fatty infiltration of the liver or hepatic steatosis (fat content exceeds 5% of liver volume) without any evidence of hepatocellular injury in the form of ballooning of hepatocytes or no evidence of fibrosis. The risk of developing cirrhosis and liver failure is minimal but due to its high prevalence it none the less represents an important cause of cirrhosis (Dr. James Mc Morran, et al. 2016). Cirrhosis occurs when the liver sustains substantial damage, and the liver cells are gradually replaced by scar tissue, which results in the inability of the liver to work properly. Some patients who develop cirrhosis may eventually require a liver transplant (surgery to remove the damaged liver and replace it with a new liver) (Marsha H. Kay, MD, et al. 2012).