Best Supplements for Fatty Liver Disease (9 min.)

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Summary: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affects more than 30% of people worldwide. This guide covers symptoms, causes, and supplements† that may support liver health† and help manage fatty liver concerns†. Use the Table of Contents to navigate to any section quickly.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition in which excessive fat accumulates in the liver, is becoming increasingly common. You can develop this condition even if you don’t drink alcoholic beverages. NAFLD may not cause symptoms. If left unmanaged, it can lead to more serious liver issues, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Obesity or Type 2 diabetes is a common cause of NAFLD. With increasing rates of both obesity and diabetes, it is estimated that more than 30 percent of people worldwide have NAFLD. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may also increase your risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are key, you may wonder if there are supplements for fatty liver disease. Certain vitamins and supplements have shown promise for supporting liver health† and potentially reducing NAFLD symptoms†. Let’s explore these supplements that may help manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Table of Contents

1. Vitamin E for Antioxidant Support in Fatty Liver Disease†
2. Vitamin D for Liver Health and Inflammatory Balance†
3. Milk Thistle (Silymarin) for Liver Cell Protection†
4. N‑Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Glutathione Production and Liver Support†
5. Omega‑3 Fatty Acids for Healthy Liver Fat Metabolism†
6. Curcumin for Liver Function and Inflammatory Support†
7. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for Cellular Energy and Liver Health†
8. Berberine for Blood Sugar and Liver Fat Management†
9. Probiotics for Gut and Liver Health†
10. Potassium for Electrolyte Balance and Liver Support†

Vitamin E for Antioxidant Support in Fatty Liver Disease†

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning your body absorbs and stores it. It is a powerful antioxidant† that may provide some protection from heart disease, cancer, macular degeneration, and cognitive decline.  The FDA recommends 15 mg of vitamin E for adults each day. Those on blood thinners or cholesterol medications should avoid taking high-dose (1,000 IU or more) vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E is one of the most studied supplements for fatty liver disease. This antioxidant† helps reduce oxidative stress in the liver†, which may otherwise contribute to liver cell damage and fat accumulation.

Several randomized controlled trials have suggested that Vitamin E supplementation may support healthy liver function† in individuals with liver health concerns†. However, its role in the long-term management of NAFLD remains unclear, and more clinical trials are needed.

Food Sources of Vitamin E

Sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, oils from wheat germ, sunflower or safflower are all food sources of vitamin E.

Vitamin D for Liver Health and Inflammatory Balance†

Vitamin D is also a fat-soluble vitamin stored in the liver and other fatty tissues. Most of the vitamin D we get is through exposure to sunlight rather than food. Around 35 percent of adults in the United States are thought to be deficient in vitamin D. This essential vitamin is known for its role in bone health†, but may provide additional wellness benefits†. Read about the benefits of vitamin D.

Low levels of Vitamin D are often associated with various liver conditions, including fatty liver disease. While Vitamin D itself doesn’t directly reduce liver fat, it is a key vitamin for liver health†. While vitamin D doesn’t directly reduce liver fat, it plays an important role in supporting liver health† and overall function.† Some research suggests it may help maintain a healthy inflammatory response†. More studies are needed to determine the optimal level of vitamin D supplementation.

Food Sources of Vitamin D

Vitamin D occurs naturally in very few foods. Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D obtained through diet. Fatty fish, mushrooms, fortified milk and orange juice are good options. Cooper Clinic recommends a minimum daily intake of 25-50 mcg (1000-2000 IU) of vitamin D3. Vitamin D supplements are likely necessary to obtain this amount. Cooper Complete multivitamins contain 50 mcg (2000 IU) of vitamin D. Additionally, Cooper Complete offers stand-alone D3 supplements. Remember, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so take it with food that contains some fat for best absorption.

Milk Thistle (Silymarin) for Liver Cell Protection†

Milk thistle is a plant with a purplish-pink thistle at the top. Often considered a weed, milk thistle, particularly its active compound silymarin from the seeds, has been used by herbalists for centuries as a supplement for liver health†. Modern studies suggest milk thistle may help protect liver cells from oxidative stress†, making it a popular supplement for individuals concerned about liver health†.

A small study found that silymarin significantly reduced liver enzymes† in individuals with NAFLD, indicating improved liver function† and reduced inflammation†. However, silymarin is not standardized in formulas, and effective dosages are lacking. Well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed.

Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction. As with any supplement, speak with your doctor or health care provider before taking it, as it interacts with many medications, including diabetes medications, some antibiotics, and blood thinners.

Food Sources of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle comes from the plant Silybum marianum. The supplements are made from the seeds of the plant, standardized for silymarin, the active compound. Milk thistle isn’t eaten as food, but is usually consumed in capsule, extract, or tea form.

N‑Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Glutathione Production and Liver Support†

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. NAC boosts glutathione†, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants†. Glutathione† supports the body’s natural detoxification processes† and helps reduce oxidative stress†, both of which are important for maintaining liver health.

A small study found that NAC supplementation led to significant improvements in liver function† tests in people with NAFLD. The study concluded that NAC could be an effective therapeutic option for patients with fatty liver†. Another study in mice concluded NAC might be an effective drug to treat NAFLD†; however, no optimal dose was determined, and the study was limited to male mice. Larger-scale clinical trials are needed with people (both women and men) to determine the optimal dosage of this supplement for fatty liver disease†.

Food Sources of NAC

NAC is not directly found in food sources. However, it is derived from the amino acid L-cysteine, found in eggs, meat, milk, nuts, broccoli, and garlic. Eating these foods can help increase the body’s production of NAC.

Omega‑3 Fatty Acids for Healthy Liver Fat Metabolism†

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties†. Studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids may help support healthy liver fat metabolism† and promote liver function† by supporting a normal inflammatory response†. A meta-analysis of ten studies showed omega-3 fatty acids were beneficial for improving liver fat†.

Another meta-analysis of 22 randomized controlled trials with 1366 participants found that omega-3 supplementation improved liver fat†, as seen on ultrasonography. It may also improve total cholesterol†, triglycerides†, HDL (good cholesterol)†, and body mass index†.

Nine clinical trials are currently evaluating omega-3 supplementation for fatty liver. Their results should provide additional insight into the benefits of omega-3 supplements for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Cooper Complete offers both an omega-3 liquid and a softgel option. The softgel options include one that’s from fish, and one that’s plant-based from algae.

Food Sources of Omega‑3

Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. Flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts. Find out more about omega-3 fatty acids from the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Curcumin for Liver Function and Inflammatory Support†

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is known for its potent anti-inflammatory† and antioxidant† effects. It has been shown to fight free radicals† and reduce the stress levels the body experiences, which, in turn, prevents the inflammatory response.

A small study of 64 people with NAFL took either 2 grams of turmeric or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. Liver enzymes dropped significantly in the turmeric group. Serum levels of triglycerides† and cholesterol† also declined in the turmeric group, while the placebo group did not see these changes. The anti-inflammatory properties† of curcumin seem to make it a good supplement for liver health† and improving liver function†.

Food Sources of Curcumin

Turmeric is a spice often added to foods such as curry; however, the amount of curcumin can vary depending. Your body also cannot absorb or use it well. Supplements are a good way to provide more accurate amounts of curcumin.

Read about the many other health benefits of turmeric.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for Cellular Energy and Liver Health†

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a powerful antioxidant†, plays a key role in cellular energy production†. A deficiency of CoQ10 affects cellular energy production†, which can lead to increased fat accumulation in the liver. It has shown promise in protecting liver cells from damage caused by free radicals†.

A 12-week study showed that taking 100 mg of CoQ10 daily decreased systemic inflammation† and blood biomarkers associated with NAFLD†.

Cooper Complete offers CoQ10 in 50 and 100 mg, and the Cooper Complete Original multivitamins contain 100mg of CoQ10.

Food Sources of CoQ10

CoQ10 is found in organ meat, fish and nuts. However, the amount found in food is insufficient to significantly increase CoQ10 levels in the body. CoQ10 supplements are the best option when considering taking CoQ10 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Berberine for Blood Sugar and Liver Fat Management†

Berberine is a plant-derived compound known for its ability to regulate blood sugar† and improve insulin sensitivity†, both of which are important for people with fatty liver disease†. Insulin resistance† is often a contributing factor in developing NAFLD, and berberine’s ability to modulate blood sugar† and lipid metabolism† may help reduce liver fat†. Berberine can also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver†, making it a good supplement for liver health†.

A 2015 study found that berberine supplementation improved insulin sensitivity† and reduced liver fat content† in patients with NAFLD. These findings suggest that berberine could be a valuable supplement for managing fatty liver disease†.

Food Sources of Berberine

Berberine is not found in any common foods and is bitter, making berberine supplements a better choice for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease†. Cooper Complete offers a Berberine Complex containing vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid in addition to 1000mg of Berberine.

Berberine has many benefits† beyond its use as a supplement for fatty liver disease. Read more about Berberine health benefits.

Probiotics for Gut and Liver Health†

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in liver health, and imbalances in gut bacteria have been associated with fatty liver disease†. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health†, may help reduce liver inflammation† and fat accumulation† by promoting a healthy gut microbiome†.

Studies have found that probiotics improved liver function† and reduced markers of liver inflammation† in people with NAFLD. The most studied probiotics have been the strains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, but next-generation probiotics Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii are gaining attention as potential options. Further studies are needed to provide efficacy and determine if these new probiotics are superior to traditional ones.  Cooper Complete Advanced Daily Probiotic contains Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium longum, and lactis.

Food Sources of Probiotics

Sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, kimchi and yogurts that contain live, active bacteria are all food sources of probiotics.

Potassium for Electrolyte Balance and Liver Support†

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps maintain proper electrolyte balance†, which is crucial for normal cell function†, including liver cells†. Most people in the US don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, which are the best sources of potassium. In fact, 98 percent of Americans are potassium deficient.  Low serum potassium is associated with NAFLD in middle-aged and elderly.

A study showed that potassium supplementation helped reduce liver inflammation in patients with liver disease†, including NAFLD. The research suggests that potassium and vitamin C have an interactive effect in reducing NAFLD.

Food Sources of Potassium

Food sources of potassium include bananas, dried fruit (such as apricots), potatoes, lentils and beans.

Supplements can be a valuable tool for those dealing with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, they should not replace lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise. As with any health-related issue, your healthcare provider understands your health profile best. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly if you have a liver condition. With the right approach, vitamins and supplements can help manage the effects of fatty liver disease and support liver health†.

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About the Author: Cathy Sides is the Director of Customer Relations for Cooper Complete® nutritional supplements. Since joining Cooper Aerobics in 2007, she has helped thousands of customers make informed decisions about supplements. Cathy also contributes blog content focused on vitamins, supplements, and healthy living.

Cooper Complete July 31, 2025