Conclusion This meta- analysis supports the potential use of microbial therapies in the treatment of NAFLD and sheds light on their potential mode of action .
Context Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is a highly prevalent and underdiagnosed comorbidity of many chronic diseases that is associated with altered intestinal bacterial communities .
This association has prompted research into alternative treatments aim ed at modulating intestinal microbiota .
Given the novelty of these treatments , scarce evidence regarding their effectiveness in clinical population s exists .
Objective This meta- analysis sought to systemically review and quantitatively synthesize evidence on prebiotic , probiotic , and synbiotic therapies for patients with NAFLD in r and omized controlled trials .
Oat Prevents Obesity and Abdominal Fat Distribution, and Improves Liver Function in Humans
Obesity is associated with a great diversity of diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease . Our recent report suggested that oat , rich in beta-glucan , had a metabolic-regulating and liver-protecting effect in an animal model . In this study , we performed a clinical trial to further confirm the effect of oat .  Subjects with BMI ≧27 and aged 18–65 , were r and omly divided into a  control ( n = 18 ) and an  oat-treated ( n = 16 ) group , taking a placebo or beta glucan-containing oat cereal , respectively , for 12 weeks . Our data showed that consumption of oat reduced body weight , BMI , body fat and the waist-to-hip ratio . Profiles of hepatic function , including AST , but especially ALT , were useful re sources to help in the evaluation of the liver , since both showed decrements in patients with oat consumption . Nevertheless , anatomic changes were still not observed by ultrasonic image analysis . Ingestion of oat was well tolerated and there was no adverse effect during the trial . In conclusion , consumption of oat reduced obesity , abdominal fat , and improved lipid profiles and liver functions . Taken as a daily supplement , oat could act as an adjuvant therapy for metabolic disorders
Conclusion This meta- analysis supports the potential use of microbial therapies in the treatment of NAFLD and sheds light on their potential mode of action .
Context Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) is a highly prevalent and underdiagnosed comorbidity of many chronic diseases that is associated with altered intestinal bacterial communities .
This association has prompted research into alternative treatments aim ed at modulating intestinal microbiota .
Given the novelty of these treatments , scarce evidence regarding their effectiveness in clinical population s exists .
Objective This meta- analysis sought to systemically review and quantitatively synthesize evidence on prebiotic , probiotic , and synbiotic therapies for patients with NAFLD in r and omized controlled trials .