This study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine this week.

This is an important finding because there is no known treatment for this specific form of liver disease, says this AP story.  In time, the disease can lead to liver failure.

More studies will be needed to confirm this finding.

What Can You Do? Or…What Should You Not Do?

1. The study cautions that people should not start taking Vitamin E as a preventive.

2. Vitamins are important to our health. Taking too big of a dose, taking the wrong vitamins for the patient’s health history or taking vitamins in the wrong combination with prescription medications can cause a lot of other problems.

3. You should discuss your vitamins and any other over-the-counter medications with your doctor at every visit. This sounds like tedious advice but it will pay off some day when you may least expect it.

AP

“People with a common, obesity-related liver disease that has no known treatment got a surprising benefit from vitamin E pills, researchers reported Wednesday.

“It appears to be the first time that a vitamin supplement has been shown to help treat a major ailment not caused by a nutrient deficiency. However, doctors warned that this does not mean people should automatically take vitamin E since some research suggests it might raise the risk of other problems. (Emphasis added)

“The latest study tested it for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Fat buildup can cause the liver to become inflamed and scarred over time and in severe cases, to fail.”

Source: AP, April 28, 2010

Citation:New England Journal of Medicine, April 28, 2010 (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa0907929)