Vitamin E shows promise for treating liver disease

LOS ANGELES (AP) — People with a common, obesity-related liver disease that has no known treatment got a surprising benefit from vitamin E pills, researchers reported.

It appears to be the first time that a vitamin supplement has been shown to help treat a major ailment not caused by a nutrient deficiency. Doctors warned, however, that this does not mean people should automatically take vitamin E since some research suggests it might raise the risk of other problems.

The latest study tested it for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Fat buildup can cause the liver to become inflamed and scarred over time and, in severe cases, to fail.

The disease usually develops in people who are middle-aged and overweight or obese. Up to 5 percent of Americans have the most serious form of it, and as many as 20 percent have fat in their livers but no organ damage.