Soluble fibre for the treatment of paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the fastest growing chronic liver diseases in children today. This disorder of abnormal fat deposition in, and around the liver is often associated with the rising prevalence of paediatric obesity.

In this novel, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded longitudinal randomized-controlled trial, we will be working with McMaster University’s Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism research centre, led by Dr. Katherine Morrison and Dr. Gregory Steinberg. We will be giving eligible patients a novel prebiotic soluble fibre supplement, known as fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and measuring its impacts on glycemic control, anthropometrics, and most importantly — change in liver fat. We will be using a novel tool known as MRI-elastography thanks to the support of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Research Imaging Centre.

Prebiotics are an important therapy that bridges the gap between nutrition and the Intestinal Microbiome. Prebiotics are important “food” substrates for our healthiest gut bacteria. They are also safe, and low-cost. We are very excited about starting recruitment for this 5-year longitudinal study in the coming months, and identifying an important therapy to support Canadian kids with this rapidly growing liver condition.