A diet with reduced carbohydrates to improve liver health in adolescents with fatty liver disease

Moderately CHO-restricted diet as treatment targeting improvement in hepatic lipid and insulin sensitivity in adolescents with NAFLD

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11109565

This study is looking at how a diet with fewer carbohydrates can help teenagers with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease improve their liver health and insulin sensitivity, making it easier for them to avoid more serious health issues later on.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11109565 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of a moderately carbohydrate-restricted diet on adolescents suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study aims to determine if this dietary approach can improve liver lipid levels and insulin sensitivity, which are critical for preventing the progression of NAFLD to more severe liver conditions and related diseases like type 2 diabetes. Participants will be guided through dietary changes and monitored for improvements in their liver health and metabolic function. The research seeks to establish evidence-based dietary guidelines for managing NAFLD in young patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Not a fit: Patients who do not have NAFLD or those with advanced liver disease requiring immediate medical intervention may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a non-pharmaceutical dietary intervention to effectively reverse NAFLD and prevent its progression in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with dietary interventions in managing NAFLD, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.