Tuna and NAFLD: Is Consumption Safe? | Medical Bulletin
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a group of conditions that cause excess fat to accumulate in the liver, often coexisting with metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, abnormal levels of fat in the blood, or metabolic syndrome [6]. A healthy diet and regular exercise are key for managing NAFLD, with a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates, and unsaturated fats [2].
Consuming tuna, including raw tuna, can be beneficial for individuals with NAFLD primarily due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and may lower liver fat [1][3][4]. Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA found in tuna, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce liver inflammation and fat accumulation, key issues in NAFLD [1][3][4]. Studies indicate that increasing omega-3 intake, especially from fatty fish, may improve liver fat content and slow disease progression [4][5].
Tuna is also rich in high-quality protein, supporting overall metabolic health [3]. Consuming fatty fish like tuna 2+ times per week is associated with better heart health, including improved blood lipid profiles and lower blood pressure, relevant as NAFLD raises cardiovascular risk [1].
However, raw tuna consumption should be approached cautiously to avoid infection risks. Raw tuna can carry risks of foodborne illness or parasites, especially for individuals with liver disease whose immunity might be compromised [7]. While the search results do not directly address raw tuna specifically in NAFLD, general food safety principles would advise ensuring raw fish is sourced from reputable suppliers and handled properly to reduce infection risk [7]. Cooking tuna eliminates parasite and bacterial risks but may reduce some heat-sensitive nutrients. For NAFLD patients, the benefits of omega-3s remain whether tuna is consumed raw or cooked [4][5].
Other fish that are sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines [8]. In a 2021 study, people with NAFLD and type 2 diabetes took 2000 milligrams of omega-3s every day for 12 weeks and showed significant improvements in their fatty liver index, lipid accumulation product, and visceral adiposity index scores [9].
It is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before consuming raw tuna to ensure it is safe for a person with NAFLD [7]. Eating raw fish comes with risks and some types of cooking retain more nutrients than others [7]. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week [10]. A healthy diet and regular exercise, along with appropriate omega-3 supplementation, can help manage NAFLD effectively.
References:
- Omega-3 fatty acids and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: From bench to bedside
- Dietary management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Tuna: Nutritional profile, health benefits, and potential health risks
- Omega-3 long-chain PUFA supplementation improves levels of fat in the liver: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Omega-3 long-chain PUFA supplementation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity
- Raw fish consumption and foodborne illness: A review of the literature
- Fish consumption and its potential benefits for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- The effect of omega-3 supplementation on fatty liver index, lipid accumulation product, and visceral adiposity index in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial
- Physical activity guidelines for Americans
- Given the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), eating tuna, rich in these acids, can be advantageous due to its anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing liver inflammation and fat accumulation.
- Besides being a great source of omega-3s, tuna is also rich in high-quality protein, supporting overall metabolic health and contributing to better heart health.
- Studies indicate that increasing omega-3 intake, particularly from fatty fish like tuna, may improve liver fat content and slow disease progression, making it an essential part of a healthy diet for NAFLD patients.
- While consuming raw tuna can provide benefits due to its omega-3 content, it comes with potential infection risks, especially for those with compromised immunity like individuals with NAFLD.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week as part of a comprehensive approach to managing NAFLD, along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and appropriate omega-3 supplementation.
- Other fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines are also sources of omega-3 fatty acids and may contribute to the management of chronic-kidney-disease, type-2-diabetes, and other chronic-diseases related to metabolic disorders, when combined with healthy-and-wellness practices, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrient-rich diets.
