Prebiotics in Patients With Non-alcoholic Liver Disease

The study will include 60 patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which will randomize to two groups, receiving either ITF (Inulin/oligofructose-OFS 75/25) or maltodextrin (placebo).

The trial will last for 26 weeks: Stage 1-Run-in period: Subjects will be followed to ascertain weight maintenance. Stage 2- Randomized intervention period: Subjects will be assigned to receive 16 gram/day of ITF or maltodextrin. Both ITF and placebo will be provided in identical opaque packages and both subjects and researchers will be blinded to the content.

After signing informed (-2 week) consent, the following data will be collected: demographics, lifestyle habits including dietary questionnaires, and medical history. At week 0, week 12 and week 24 all the following tests will be performed: Vital Signs: blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, body composition determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Biochemical blood tests: liver function tests fasting glucose insulin & lipid profile, CRP (an inflammation marker), SCFA, BCAA, and LBP and FGF 19. Fecal samples: fecal samples will be used for microbiota composition analysis, and BA analysis. Assessment of liver status At week 0 and 24 by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), SteatoTest and NashTest (FibroMax™) and by liver enzymes for evaluating steohepatitis.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of NAFLD based on fatty infiltration detection by ultrasonography and alanine aminotransferase levels of (ALT) ≥ 30 U/L male ≥ 19 U/L females.
• Over-weight (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) who fulfill the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) metabolic syndrome
• Willing to sign informed consent to participate in the study
• Patients without diabetes or with well-controlled diabetes (HbA1C < 7.5%) who are treated by diet ± metformin

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Diabetic treatment other than metformin, unusual diets (vegetarian, vegan), usage of antibiotics, probiotics or prebiotics up to 6 months prior to study, alcohol abuse, presence of gastrointestinal or mental disorders, weight-loss treatment, bariatric surgery
• Serious medical conditions
• Evidence of another etiology for chronic liver disease such as: hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, autoimmune diseases and metabolic diseases, medications with known hepatotoxicity.