Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Regarding the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of non alcoholic fatty liver disease and decrease of serum antioxidants concentration in these patients, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice intake in weight loss diet of these patients.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental trial (IRCT: 201102232709N17), 35 patients with the diagnosis ofnon alcoholic fatty liver disease were selected. Initially, a weight loss diet was designed for each participant. One glass of pomegranate juice (250 mililiter) was substituted for required 2 servings of fruit for 3 months. Dietary intake, physical activity, anthropometric indices, and lipid profile before and after the study were measured. Statistical analysis were carried out using SPSS 19.0 by Wilcox on and paired t tests.

Results: From 35 participants, 33 (9 women and 24 men) completed the study. Pomegranate juice intake along with weight loss diet resulted in significant decrease in liver enzymes and increase in HDL-cholesterol (p= 0.01). Other lipid profile variables had no significant changes.

Conclusions: According to the results of this study, pomegranate juice intake along with weight loss diet can be effective in improving clinical status of these patients and decreasing cardio-vascular risk.