Heal Your Liver Naturally: Top 13 Supplements for Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease is on the rise and the scary part is many people don’t even know they have it. If you’ve been told your liver enzymes are high or an ultrasound shows fat in your liver, you’re not alone. The good news? You can take steps to heal your liver naturally.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best supplements for fatty liver, backed by real science. Whether you’re looking to reduce liver fat, improve enzyme levels, or prevent liver damage, these supplements can support your journey.

Expert Insight: There’s no FDA-approved drug yet for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), so supplements + lifestyle changes = your best treatment plan right now.

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Before diving into supplements, let’s take a quick look at fatty liver disease and why it happens.

Fatty liver disease (Hepatic Steatosis) occurs when fat builds up in liver cells. There are two main types:

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is caused by poor diet, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic issues.

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) is resulting from excessive alcohol consumption, leading to inflammation and scarring.

If left untreated, fatty liver can progress to more serious conditions, including liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver failure.

Signs Your Liver Needs Support

• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Bloating, gas, and poor digestion
• Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests

The good news is your liver has an incredible ability to heal itself! With the right diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements, you can reverse fatty liver and restore liver function.

Read: How Fatty Liver Disease Affects Pregnancy

Why Use Supplements?

Supplements help fill the gap when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. The right ones can:

• Lower liver fat
• Improve liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
• Reduce inflammation
• Protect your liver from damage

Now let’s dive into the 7 best supplements for fatty liver, backed by clinical research

Read: Fatty Liver Diet: 11 Foods to Eat and Avoid for Better Liver Health

13 Best Supplements for Fatty Liver Backed by Science

1. Thistle (Silymarin)

How It Works:

Milk thistle contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation and protects liver cells. It improves insulin resistance, reduces oxidative stress, and may even slow liver scarring.

Dosage: 420 mg/day of silymarin (phytosome form preferred for absorption)

What Studies Show:

• Improved liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
• Reduced liver fat seen in ultrasounds
• Better blood sugar control in diabetics

Pros:

• Natural
• Safe for long-term use
• Improves metabolic health too

3. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant, which plays a critical role in liver detoxification.

How It Helps:

• Boosts glutathione levels to combat oxidative stress
• Reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis
• Helps detoxify harmful substances

How to Take It:

Recommended dose: 600-1,200 mg per day

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s, found in fish oil and flaxseeds, help reduce liver fat and inflammation.

How It Helps:

• Lowers triglycerides in the liver
• Reduces inflammation linked to fatty liver
• Supports heart and metabolic health

How to Take It:

• Take 1,000-2,000 mg of EPA/DHA daily
• Choose high-quality fish oil supplements

Function	Impact on Liver
Anti-fat buildup	Reduces triglyceride synthesis
Anti-inflammatory	Lowers cytokines damaging the liver
Cardioprotective	Supports heart, reduces risk

5. Probiotics

The gut-liver axis is real: a leaky gut = a stressed liver.

Why Probiotics Matter: Good bacteria balance your gut, reduce toxin load, and cut down liver inflammation.

Proven Strains:

• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacterium
• Saccharomyces boulardii

Effects in Studies:

• Reduced ALT, AST
• Lower cholesterol
• Improved liver stiffness scores

Best Approach: Take a multi-strain probiotic for 8–12 weeks daily

6. Berberine

Berberine is a plant compound known for its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fat accumulation in the liver.

How It Helps:

• Reduces liver fat by improving insulin response
• Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Has anti-inflammatory effects

How to Take It:

• Take 900-1,500 mg per day
• Best taken with meals
• Berberine is as effective as metformin in some studies for metabolic control!

7. Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that protects the liver.

How It Helps:

• Reduces liver inflammation and oxidative stress
• Enhances bile production for digestion
• Supports liver detoxification

How to Take It:

• Take 500-1,000 mg of curcumin extract daily
• Choose a supplement with black pepper (piperine) for better absorption

Tip: Curcumin works best when taken with a meal and a fat source (like olive oil).

8. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 powers your liver’s energy factories (mitochondria) and reduces oxidative stress.

NAFLD Benefits:

• Improves liver enzymes
• Reduces inflammation markers
• Supports heart health (which is often at risk with fatty liver)

Dosage:

100–200 mg/day with food

9. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): The Metabolic Enhancer

ALA is an antioxidant that helps convert glucose into energy and protects liver cells from oxidative damage.

How It Helps:

• Reduces liver inflammation
• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Supports liver detoxification

How to Take It:

Take 300-600 mg per day

10. Dandelion Root: Nature’s Liver Cleanser

Dandelion root is known for its detoxifying and diuretic properties.

How It Helps:

• Supports bile production and digestion
• Helps flush out toxins from the liver
• Aids in reducing water retention

How to Take It:

Drink dandelion root tea or take 500-1,000 mg per day

11. Choline

Choline is essential for fat metabolism and prevents fat accumulation in the liver.

How It Helps:

• Supports liver detoxification
• Prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Improves liver function and bile production

How to Take It:

Take 500-1,000 mg per day

12. Zinc

Zinc is crucial for liver repair and reduces inflammation.

How It Helps:

• Supports liver enzyme function
• Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
• Promotes liver tissue repair

How to Take It:

Take 15-30 mg of zinc per day

13. Green Tea Extract

Green tea contains catechins, powerful antioxidants that reduce liver fat and support detoxification.

How It Helps:

• Reduces fat accumulation in the liver
• Enhances liver detoxification
• Has strong antioxidant effects

How to Take It:

Take 250-500 mg of green tea extract daily

Lifestyle Still Comes First

Supplements work best when combined with:

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low-sugar, Mediterranean-style diet

• Regular exercise (30–45 mins daily)
• No alcohol or smoking
• Adequate hydration
• Weight loss (even 5% can help liver fat)

Real change comes from the inside out—and your daily habits matter more than any pill.

Talk to an Expert: Start Healing Your Liver Today

If you or someone you know is living with fatty liver disease, don’t wait until it’s too late. With the right diet, lifestyle changes, and the best supplements for fatty liver, you can protect your liver and improve your health.

Dr. Nivedita Pandey MBBS, Diplomate, American Board (Internal Med & Gastroenterology), is a U.S.-trained, board-certified Senior Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. She specializes in fatty liver, NASH, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, obesity-related gut problems, and liver transplant care. As one of South Delhi’s few female gastroenterologists, she offers a trusted and safe space for women and men to seek expert digestive care.

Book your consultation today to start your liver healing journey with expert care.

FAQs

What is the best supplement to reverse fatty liver?

Milk Thistle, NAC, and Omega-3 are widely used and researched as the best supplements for fatty liver. Clinical studies show they help lower liver fat, improve enzyme levels, and support liver healing. Each has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that protect liver cells.

Can supplements cure fatty liver completely?

Supplements alone cannot cure fatty liver. They are most effective when used alongside a healthy diet, regular exercise, and professional medical advice. Healing the liver is a process that needs a full lifestyle shift, not just pills.

How long does it take to heal a fatty liver naturally?

Most people start seeing results within 3 to 6 months of taking the best supplements for fatty liver. This also depends on how severe the liver damage is, and how well you follow a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet and stay active.

Can I take liver supplements every day?

Yes, liver supplements can be taken daily when used as directed. Make sure to follow correct dosage instructions and check with a doctor to prevent interactions or side effects. Long-term use should be monitored.

Is fatty liver reversible with supplements alone?

No. While supplements help reduce liver inflammation and fat buildup, reversing fatty liver fully requires better food choices, weight control, and exercise. Supplements support the process, not replace it.

What vitamins help reduce liver fat?

Key vitamins for fatty liver include Vitamin E, B-complex, D3, and selenium. These improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support detox. You’ll often find them in liver-specific multivitamins.

Do turmeric and curcumin help fatty liver?

Yes. Turmeric for liver detox is backed by research showing that curcumin reduces liver enzymes and inflammation. Use a well-absorbed curcumin supplement, preferably with black pepper extract.

Should diabetics take Vitamin E for fatty liver?

Not without a doctor’s advice. High doses of Vitamin E may increase bleeding risk and aren’t usually advised for diabetics. It’s important to consult a liver specialist before adding this supplement.

Can I take multiple supplements together?

Yes, you can but it should be done under a doctor’s supervision. Some combinations, like silymarin with vitamin E or probiotics with omega-3s, may actually enhance results. However, mixing too many at once without guidance can cause interactions or unwanted effects. Always consult your liver specialist before starting any combo.

How long before I see results?

Most people notice improvements in liver enzymes and ultrasound findings within 3 to 6 months of consistent supplement use. But these results only come when you also eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol or sugary foods. Supplements support healing—they don’t replace healthy habits.

Are there any side effects?

Generally, the best supplements for fatty liver are well-tolerated. However, high doses of vitamin E may increase bleeding risk, and berberine can cause bloating or cramps. Some people may feel discomfort if they start multiple supplements too quickly. That’s why a personalized plan from a liver expert is ideal.

Should I stop taking supplements if my liver enzymes become normal?

No, you shouldn’t stop just because your numbers look better. Fatty liver can come back if you return to old habits. Supplements help maintain liver health and prevent relapse. Dr. Nivedita may gradually taper your plan based on follow-up tests and ultrasound results.