Can pectin powder help reduce liver fat and inflammation?

Plain-English translation of NCT07093346 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether pectin—a natural fiber found in fruits—can help improve liver health in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (fatty liver disease). Researchers will give some participants pectin powder mixed with cocoa to drink daily for 6 weeks, while others receive cocoa powder alone. The study will measure changes in blood markers of inflammation, liver function, and the balance of bacteria in your gut.

Fatty liver disease is increasingly common and currently has limited treatment options beyond lifestyle changes. This research aims to find out whether this simple, natural fiber supplement could help reduce inflammation and slow liver damage.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease (confirmed by imaging or blood tests in the past month)
you are aged 18 or older with a body mass index between 18.5 and 39.9
your weight has been stable for the past 3 months (no more than 3 kg gain or loss)
if you have diabetes, your blood sugar is well controlled (HbA1c below 7%)
you are willing to give informed consent and complete the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have allergies to soy, milk, chocolate, or pectin
you follow a vegan diet or have eating disorders or digestive conditions like IBS or celiac disease
you have taken antibiotics, antifungal medications, probiotics, or prebiotics in the past 90 days
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
you are currently on a weight loss program or taking weight loss medications

What participation looks like

You will visit the clinic several times over 6 weeks. At each visit, you'll have blood tests and possibly ultrasound or specialized scans of your liver. For 6 weeks, you'll take either a pectin powder mixed with cocoa or just cocoa powder mixed with water daily at home. Some participants may also have two MRI scans (at the start and end) to measure liver fat and gut changes in more detail.

Can pectin powder help reduce liver fat and inflammation?

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(3 sites)