Prebiotics in Patients With Non-alcoholic Liver Disease

The purpose of this present study is to evaluating whether prebiotics - ITF (Inulin/OFS 75/25) is effective in treating 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.