L-Methionine & Fatty Liver: New Hope?

randomized-controlled-trial PMID: 35986358

Quick Summary: A recent study found that a supplement called Livogen Plus®, containing L-Methionine and other ingredients, helped reduce liver fat in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This 12-week study showed promising results, but more research is needed.

What The Research Found

Researchers looked at a supplement called Livogen Plus® and its effect on people with fatty liver disease. The supplement, which includes L-Methionine, was given to one group of people, while another group received a placebo (a "dummy" pill). After 12 weeks, the group taking Livogen Plus® showed a greater reduction in liver fat compared to the placebo group. This suggests the supplement may help improve liver health.

Study Details

Who was studied: 140 adults diagnosed with fatty liver disease.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks.

What they took: One group took six capsules of Livogen Plus® daily. The other group took six capsules of a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients) daily.

What This Means For You

If you have fatty liver disease, this research is encouraging. It suggests that a supplement containing L-Methionine and other ingredients might help reduce liver fat. However, it's important to remember:

Talk to your doctor: Before taking any new supplements, especially if you have a health condition or take other medications.

Livogen Plus® is a combination: The study used a supplement with multiple ingredients, so we don't know if L-Methionine alone would have the same effect.

Lifestyle matters: This study doesn't replace the importance of a healthy diet and exercise for managing fatty liver disease.

Study Limitations

It's a combination: The study used a supplement with multiple ingredients, so it's hard to know if L-Methionine alone is responsible for the results.

Short-term study: The study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don't know the long-term effects.

More research needed: While promising, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the best way to use this supplement.

Key Findings

The study demonstrated that Livogen Plus®, a nutraceutical combining S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) and other natural bioactives, significantly reduced liver fat content (measured by CAP score) in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared to placebo. After 12 weeks, the nutraceutical group showed a greater adjusted CAP score reduction (-34 ± 5 dB/m vs. -20 ± 5 dB/m; p=0.045). Subgroup analyses indicated enhanced efficacy in individuals aged ≤60, those with low baseline HDL-C, men, and participants with AST reduction. No serious adverse events were reported, confirming safety.

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 140 adults with hepatic steatosis. Participants were assigned to receive either Livogen Plus® (6 softgels/day) or placebo (maltodextrin-filled softgels) for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was change in CAP score (liver fat content via transient elastography); secondary outcomes included serum glucose, lipids, transaminases, and cytokines. Measurements were taken at baseline and follow-up.

Dosage & Administration

The intervention group received 6 softgel capsules daily of Livogen Plus® (composition not fully specified in the summary, but listed SAMe as one of the active ingredients). The placebo group received identical capsules containing maltodextrin. Duration: 12 weeks.

Results & Efficacy

CAP Score Reduction: Nutraceutical group (-34 ± 5 dB/m) vs. placebo (-20 ± 5 dB/m), p=0.045 (statistically significant after adjusting for baseline CAP score, triglycerides, γGT changes, and protein intake).
Subgroup Analysis: Greater percentage reductions in younger participants (≤60 years), those with low HDL-C, men, and individuals with AST reduction.
Safety: No significant adverse effects reported.

Limitations

Combination Formula: Effects cannot be attributed to SAMe alone; interactions between ingredients (e.g., curcumin, fish oil) may contribute to outcomes.
Retrospective Registration: Trial registered 03 August 2021 (ISRCTN70887063), potentially limiting transparency.
Short Duration: 12-week follow-up does not address long-term efficacy or safety.
Unspecified Dosages: Exact doses of individual components (including SAMe) were not provided.
Subgroup Limitations: Post-hoc subgroup analyses may lack statistical power or predefine criteria.
Demographic Gaps: No details on participant age ranges, gender distribution, or comorbidities in the summary.

Clinical Relevance

This trial suggests that Livogen Plus® may reduce liver fat in NAFLD patients, particularly in younger individuals, men, and those with metabolic dysregulation (e.g., low HDL-C). However, as SAMe is one of eight ingredients in the formulation, its independent contribution remains unclear. The results support further research on combination nutraceuticals for NAFLD, but supplement users should note that this study does not isolate SAMe’s effects. Additionally, lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise) remain critical for NAFLD management, as the study did not control for dietary intake or physical activity. The findings may inform future trials evaluating SAMe’s role in liver health, though current evidence does not support standalone recommendations for L-Methionine.

Note: The study was published in 2022 in a PubMed-indexed journal, but full details (e.g., dosages, funding sources) may require deeper review.