Micronutrients in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Pathogenesis

We review the contribution of micronutrients to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathology and therapeutics. We examine the relevant data on minerals, vitamins, and carotenoids in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease experimental and human studies and offer insight into their use (or nonuse) therapeutically. Micronutrients include electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, and carotenoids, and are required in microgram or milligram quantities for cellular metabolism. The liver plays an important role in micronutrient metabolism and this metabolism often is altered in chronic liver diseases. Here, we review how the liver contributes to micronutrient metabolism; how impaired micronutrient metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a systemic disorder of energy, glucose, and lipid homeostasis; and how insights gained from micronutrient biology have informed NAFLD therapeutics. Finally, we highlight some of the challenges and opportunities that remain with investigating the contribution of micronutrients to NAFLD pathology and suggest strategies to incorporate our understanding into the care of NAFLD patients.