Flaxseed powder and fatty liver in a 12-week trial
What it found
In people with fatty liver disease, 30 grams of flaxseed powder a day for 12 weeks lowered liver fat, body fat, and cholesterol.
It also shifted gut bacteria toward types the authors consider helpful.
What they found
Studies in people
Liver fat and function
After 12 weeks, the group eating flaxseed had less fat stored in their livers compared to their own starting levels. Liver enzyme readings also dropped.
Body fat and weight
The flaxseed group saw lower body fat percentages, smaller waist-area fat, and lower obesity scores by the end of the trial.
Cholesterol and blood fats
Total cholesterol and triglycerides fell in the flaxseed group. Their HDL cholesterol, often called good cholesterol, rose.
Gut bacteria shifts
Flaxseed changed the mix of gut bacteria. Types like Bifidobacterium became more common, while the balance between two major bacterial groups shifted.
What the authors conclude
- They conclude that 12 weeks of flaxseed powder improved liver fat buildup, liver function, body measurements, and blood fats in people with fatty liver disease.
- They say the supplement also adjusted gut bacteria by raising helpful types and lowering harmful ones.
- The authors suggest flaxseed is a natural and effective food for improving fatty liver disease.
How it was done
Fatty liver disease is becoming more common worldwide, and diet changes may help prevent or treat it. Earlier animal studies suggested flaxseed could improve this condition.
Fifty people with fatty liver disease took part in a 12-week trial. Half ate 30 grams of flaxseed powder daily before lunch or dinner alongside general health advice. The other half received only the health advice.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This trial lasted 12 weeks, so it cannot show whether these benefits last over years.
- The study only included people who already had fatty liver disease, so the results may not apply to everyone else.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Southeast University, China; Lianshui People's Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, China
The paper
- Title
- Flaxseed powder supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Tian Y, Zhou Y, Liao W, et al (2025). Flaxseed powder supplementation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Food & function. doi:10.1039/d4fo05847jPubMed 39878023DOI
Summary written 30 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error