Pinitol reduces liver fat and improves fat metabolism for people with NAFLD Original paper

Pinitol is a compound belonging to the polyol chemical class, and naturally occurs in pine wood, alfalfa, soy, and carob. Pinitol has lipid-lowering and antioxidant properties, which may make it useful in the context of conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

In this randomized controlled trial, 90 participants with NAFLD received a high dose (500 mg) or a low dose (300 mg) of pinitol or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, researchers measured markers of metabolic health, liver function, and oxidative stress, as well as liver fat and metabolic response to a high-fat meal (900 kcal, 58.9% fat).

The groups that received pinitol had lower liver fat and liver enzymes, and improved response to a high-fat meal, as measured by postprandial malondialdehyde and triglyceride levels. Overall, these results suggest that pinitol can reduce oxidative stress and fatty acid accumulation in the liver.