Research

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An 8-week Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) significantly reduces liver fat accumulation (measured by CAP and FLI) and improves metabolic biomarkers in overweight/obese subjects with NAFLD.

To improve liver health, follow an 8-week VLCKD protocol strictly. Consume under 800 calories daily with only 20-50g of carbs. Use meal replacements initially, then transition to one real protein meal. Ensure you take micronutrient supplements and drink at least 2 liters of water daily. This approach targets liver fat directly.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
We conclude that VLCKD is a helpful approach for NAFLD independent of changes in factors commonly associated with NAFLD (obesity, fat mass, insulin resistance, lipids, and blood pressure) as well as vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels.
Roberta Rinaldi et al. · Nutrients · 2023

Why this rating

Prospective real-life study with a small sample size (n=33) and no control group, limiting generalizability.

Source

The Effects of Eight Weeks’ Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) on Liver Health in Subjects Affected by Overweight and Obesity

Roberta Rinaldi et al. · Nutrients · 2023

DOI 10.3390/nu15040825

cohort · n=33Cited 40×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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