Patterns of dietary supplement use among United States patients with steatotic liver disease: Vitamins, minerals and botanicals.

Our assessment

This 2025 study examined dietary supplement use among United States adults with steatotic liver disease, a condition where fat builds up in the liver. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between January 2017 and an unspecified end date, including adults aged 18 and older who had complete liver stiffness measurements (transient elastography) and dietary records. The study found that supplement use is common in this group, with patients often taking vitamins, minerals, and botanicals for their liver condition and related health issues. What this means for you: if you have steatotic liver disease, you are not alone in considering supplements, but the study does not confirm whether these products improve liver health.

How it works

The study characterized patterns of dietary supplement use, meaning it looked at which supplements people with steatotic liver disease choose and why. The researchers found that patients may be motivated by their liver condition and other co-existing health problems. What this means for you: this study is descriptive, not a clinical trial, so it cannot tell you if a specific supplement helps your liver. It highlights that many people with this condition turn to supplements, but the effectiveness and safety of these products for liver health remain unclear based on this data alone. Data not available for specific supplement dosages or durations of use.

Safety profile

Data not available on adverse events or side effects from this study. The FDA has received reports for various dietary supplements, but specific data for steatotic liver disease patients is not provided in this study. What this means for you: without safety data from this research, you should be cautious about taking supplements for your liver without medical supervision. Data not available for report counts from this specific study FDA FAERS ↗.

Our recommendation

Based on this 2025 study, we cannot recommend any specific supplement for steatotic liver disease. The research shows that supplement use is common, but it does not prove that any vitamin, mineral, or botanical improves liver outcomes. What this means for you: talk to your doctor before starting any supplement for your liver condition, especially since some supplements can stress the liver. The study provides a snapshot of current use patterns, not a treatment guide. Data not available for effective dosages or formulations NIH ODS ↗ NIH DSLD ↗.