Scientists looked at 31 studies involving 1,722 children and teens with fatty liver disease to find the best treatments. They discovered that low-sugar diets work better than low-fat diets for improving liver health and blood fats. Probiotics (good bacteria supplements) also helped lower bad cholesterol. The research shows that changing what kids eat and adding certain supplements can help their livers get healthier, but doctors need to learn more about the right amounts and possible side effects before making strong recommendations.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How well different treatments work for fatty liver disease in children and teenagers
  • Who participated: 1,722 kids and teens from 31 different studies who had fatty liver disease
  • Key finding: Low-sugar diets worked better than low-fat diets for improving liver health and blood fat levels
  • What it means for you: If your child has fatty liver disease, cutting sugar may be more helpful than cutting fat, but talk to your doctor first

The Research Details

This was a meta-analysis, which means researchers gathered results from 31 separate studies that tested different treatments for fatty liver disease in young people. They only included high-quality studies called randomized controlled trials, where some kids got the treatment and others got a fake treatment or different diet, and nobody knew which was which until the end. The researchers looked at studies published between 2010 and 2025 to get the most current information.

By combining results from many studies, researchers can get a clearer picture of what really works than any single study could provide. This approach helps doctors make better treatment decisions because it’s based on evidence from hundreds of patients rather than just a few dozen.

The researchers used strict standards to pick only the best studies and checked each one for problems that might make the results unreliable. They also registered their research plan ahead of time to prevent bias in how they analyzed the data.

What the Results Show

Low-sugar diets showed the strongest benefits for kids with fatty liver disease. When compared to regular diets, low-sugar eating plans significantly lowered triglycerides (blood fats that can be harmful when too high). Even more impressive, when researchers compared low-sugar diets directly to low-fat diets, the low-sugar approach worked better for improving AST levels, which are markers that show how well the liver is working. Probiotics also showed promise, helping to lower LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) compared to fake pills. These improvements suggest that what kids eat can directly impact their liver health and overall metabolism.

The study also looked at other liver enzymes like ALT and GGT, as well as HDL (good cholesterol), though the results for these weren’t as clear-cut. Researchers found that different types of supplements and dietary changes generally helped improve liver function tests and cholesterol levels, but the effects varied depending on the specific treatment.

This research confirms what many doctors have suspected - that diet plays a huge role in fatty liver disease in young people. It adds to growing evidence that not all calories are equal, and that reducing sugar might be more important than reducing fat for liver health.

The studies included different types of kids with varying degrees of liver disease, making it hard to know exactly which treatments work best for which children. The researchers also couldn’t determine the best doses of supplements or how long treatments should last, and information about side effects was limited.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, reducing sugar in a child’s diet appears to be more beneficial than reducing fat for fatty liver disease. Probiotic supplements may also help with cholesterol levels. However, parents should work with their child’s doctor to create a treatment plan, as more research is needed to determine exact amounts and duration of treatments.

Parents of children and teenagers diagnosed with fatty liver disease should discuss these findings with their healthcare provider. Kids who are overweight or have diabetes may be at higher risk for this condition and could benefit from dietary changes.

The studies didn’t specify how long it takes to see improvements, but liver health changes typically take several weeks to months to show up in blood tests. Consistent dietary changes over time are likely needed for lasting benefits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily sugar intake from drinks, snacks, and processed foods, aiming to gradually reduce added sugars while monitoring energy levels and mood
  • Replace sugary drinks with water, choose whole fruits over fruit juices, and read food labels to identify hidden sugars in packaged foods
  • Log weekly measurements of energy levels, sleep quality, and any digestive changes while following a lower-sugar eating pattern, and schedule regular check-ups with healthcare providers

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Parents should consult with their child’s healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes or starting supplements, especially for children with diagnosed liver conditions.