Testing an herbal supplement for fatty liver disease in young people

This clinical trial is testing milk thistle, an herbal supplement, as a potential treatment for pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—a condition where fat builds up in the liver without being caused by alcohol. The study recognizes that sticking to diet and exercise changes can be hard, so researchers want to see if this medication might offer an easier way to improve liver health. Half of the participants will receive milk thistle capsules, and half will receive a placebo (a dummy pill), over 12 weeks.

Fatty liver disease is becoming more common in young people in the United States and is expected to be the leading reason adults need liver transplants within the next 20 years. Since lifestyle changes alone can be difficult for families to maintain consistently, this study is exploring whether the medication could be an effective and easier-to-follow alternative treatment.