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Essential phospholipids reduced hepatic steatosis and improved HbA1c in patients with MASLD and type 2 diabetes over 6 monthsEssential Phospholipids Reduce Liver Fat In Six Months

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Key Takeaway
Consider essential phospholipids for reducing hepatic steatosis and improving HbA1c in patients with MASLD and type 2 diabetes.

This multicenter, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 4 clinical trial enrolled 193 randomised patients, with 165 included in the modified intention-to-treat population. Participants had metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or obesity. The intervention group received essential phospholipids while the control group received placebo. Assessments occurred at baseline, 3 months, and 3 months post treatment, covering a total follow-up of 6 months.

The primary outcome measured the change in hepatic steatosis from baseline to 6 months using the Controlled Attenuation Parameter [CAP] score. EPL treatment significantly reduced CAP versus placebo at 3 months with a p value of 0.0049. At 3 months post treatment, CAP remained significantly reduced with a p value of 0.0234. At the 6-month endpoint, the reduction in CAP versus placebo was significant with a p value of 0.0269.

Secondary outcomes included quality of life, symptom changes, and metabolic parameters. EPL significantly improved HbA1c levels over 6 months with a p value of 0.0069. Fatigue subscores showed statistically significant improvement with EPL versus placebo, with a p value of 0.0229. Improvements in the QoL total score were noted, though specific p values were not reported for this metric.

Regarding safety, no safety concerns arose during the trial. Data on adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations were not reported. The study was funded by an entity with conflicts of interest that were not reported. Given the observational nature of some secondary endpoints and the lack of reported absolute numbers, the clinical applicability remains to be fully established.

Essential Phospholipids Reduce Liver Fat In Six Months

The Hidden Ingredient For Liver Health

Imagine waking up feeling tired all day. You try to eat better and move more. Yet the weight stays on and the fatigue remains. This is the daily struggle for many people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Doctors call this condition MASLD. It used to be known as fatty liver disease. Now it is a major health burden. Millions of people live with it. They often have type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol too.

Current treatments focus on lifestyle changes. Diet and exercise are the first line of defense. But many patients find this hard to sustain. They need something more to help their liver heal.

A New Approach To Liver Care

But here is the twist. A new study offers a different path. Researchers tested a supplement called essential phospholipids. This substance is found in egg yolks and soybeans. It helps build cell membranes in the body.

Think of your liver cells like a factory. They need strong walls to function well. Essential phospholipids act like a repair kit for these walls. They help the liver process fats better. This stops fat from building up inside the organ.

The study looked at 193 patients. Half took the essential phospholipids. The other half took a placebo. Everyone also followed standard care advice. The trial lasted six months.

The results were clear after six months. The group taking essential phospholipids had less liver fat. Their Controlled Attenuation Parameter score dropped significantly. This score measures how much fat is in the liver.

Patients also felt better. Their fatigue scores improved. They reported feeling more energetic. Blood sugar levels also improved. This is important for people with diabetes. The treatment was safe with no major side effects.

This doesn't mean this treatment is available yet.

The study had a catch. It was a phase 4 trial. This means it is a real-world test. But it was not a full approval process. The drug is not on the market yet.

What Comes Next

This research is a strong signal. It shows that essential phospholipids can help. They reduce liver fat and improve quality of life. Patients with cardiometabolic risks might benefit soon.

More trials are needed next. Researchers must test the drug in larger groups. They will also look at long-term safety. This takes time and careful planning.

Doctors will review the data soon. They might recommend the supplement in some cases. Patients should talk to their doctor first. Do not start new supplements without advice.

The road ahead is bright. New options for liver health are emerging. This gives hope to many patients. They can look forward to better tools for care.

Study Details

Study typeRct
EvidenceLevel 2
PublishedMay 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) poses a significant health burden and impacts quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the effects of essential phospholipids (EPL) on liver steatosis, QoL, and other liver and metabolic parameters in patients with MASLD and associated comorbidities. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase 4 clinical trial, patients with MASLD and type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or obesity received either EPL or placebo, alongside standard of care. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: change in hepatic steatosis from baseline to 6 months (measured by Controlled Attenuation Parameter [CAP] score); secondary endpoints: changes in QoL (measured by the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire [CLDQ-MASLD]), symptom changes; other endpoints: other liver, metabolic, and lipid parameters, and safety. RESULTS: Of 193 randomised patients, 165 constituted the modified intention-to-treat population (median age: 56.5 years [EPL arm], 55.0 years [placebo arm]). More than ¾ of patients were obese and had CAP score ≥ 280 dB/m. At 6 months, EPL treatment significantly reduced CAP (p = 0.0269) versus placebo. This effect was evident at 3 months (p = 0.0049) and sustained until 3 months post treatment (p = 0.0234). QoL total score showed numerical improvement, with statistically significant improvement in fatigue subscore (p = 0.0229) with EPL versus placebo at 6 months. EPL significantly improved HbA1c levels (p = 0.0069) over 6 months. No safety concerns arose. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effects of EPL on hepatic steatosis, QoL and glycemic control, and its favourable safety profile make it a promising candidate for managing steatosis and enhancing overall liver health in MASLD patients with cardiometabolic risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in the EudraCT (2021-006069-39).
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