Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, causes fat accumulation in the liver, inflammation, and insulin resistance. It’s the most common chronic liver condition among people in the United States, affecting roughly 90 percent of people with obesity, or about 38 percent of the overall population. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that flavonoid supplementation reduces the risk of developing NAFLD.

Researchers reviewed the findings of 12 randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of flavonoid supplementation in people with NAFLD. They found that flavonoid supplementation improved markers of liver function (liver enzymes) and reduced blood lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol), inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha and NF-kappa B), and fat accumulation in the liver, suggesting that flavonoid supplementation is a viable option for managing and treating NAFLD.

Flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in many fruits and vegetables. Evidence suggests they exert a wide range of beneficial effects in humans, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering activities, as well as counteracting insulin resistance. Higher flavonoid intake is associated with a lower risk of NAFLD progression in older adults with overweight or obesity.

Evidence suggests sulforaphane, a bioactive compound derived from broccoli, also benefits liver health. Learn more about sulforaphane in our comprehensive overview article.