Beneficial Effects of Long-Lasting Bicarbonate–Sulfate–Calcium–Magnesium Water Intake on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)-Related Outcomes via Impacting Intestinal Permeability (IP), IP-Related Systemic Inflammation, a

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Fonte Essenziale<sup>®</sup>, a mineral water rich in bicarbonate, sulfate, calcium, and magnesium, has shown potential in modulating the gut-liver axis and microbiota in hepatic steatosis. However, its long-term effects on intestinal permeability (IP), systemic inflammation (SI), and oxidative stress-key factors in Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-remain unexplored. <b>Methods</b>: Eighty-seven MASLD patients were randomized into two groups: group A received Fonte Essenziale<sup>®</sup> (400 mL/day, fasting) plus a controlled nutritional regimen for 12 months, followed by a 6-month water washout; group B followed only the controlled nutritional regimen. IP markers, SI (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), oxidative stress (dROMs/BAP), and clinical data (including Controlled Attenuation Parameter-CAP) were assessed at baseline (T0), 12 months (T12), and post-washout (T18). Baseline increased IP (in-IP) was defined by fecal zonulin > 110 ng/mL and serum LBPp > 10 µg/mL; improvement (im-IP) required normalization of both. A ≥30% CAP reduction indicated steatosis improvement. <b>Results</b>: Thirty-eight patients in group A and thirty-nine in group B completed the study. At T12, group A showed significant reductions in fecal zonulin (<i>p</i>: 0.0163) and serum LBPp (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), with increased occludin and claudin 1 (all <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Im-IP prevalence was higher in group A (<i>p</i>: 0.0037). Group A also showed significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, LPS, and dROM/BAP (all <i>p</i> < 0.05), especially among those with im-IP. CAP, insulin, and HDL levels improved significantly (all <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis confirmed water intake (aOR: 2.185, <i>p</i>: 0.001) and im-IP achievement (aHR: 1.267, <i>p</i>: 0.021) as predictors of steatosis improvement. Benefits persisted at T18. <b>Conclusions</b>: Prolonged Fonte Essenziale<sup>®</sup> intake improved hepatic steatosis and MASLD outcomes by modulating IP, SI, and oxidative stress. This trial has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT07211113).

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Journal
Nutrients
Published
2025-10-31
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213452
Primary Topic
Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
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article
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article

Beneficial Effects of Long-Lasting Bicarbonate–Sulfate–Calcium–Magnesium Water Intake on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)-Related Outcomes via Impacting Intestinal Permeability (IP), IP-Related Systemic Inflammation, a

Giuseppina Martinelli, Mario Romeo, Carmine Napolitano, Fiammetta Di Nardo et al.
Nutrients
Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
article

Beneficial Effects of Long-Lasting Bicarbonate–Sulfate–Calcium–Magnesium Water Intake on Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)-Related Outcomes via Impacting Intestinal Permeability (IP), IP-Related Systemic Inflammation, a

Giuseppina Martinelli, Mario Romeo, Carmine Napolitano, Fiammetta Di Nardo, Marcello Dallio, Annachiara Coppola, Paolo Vaia, Alessandro Federico, A de Gregorio, Alessia Silvestrin, Claudio Basile, Giusy Senese
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Fonte Essenziale<sup>®</sup>, a mineral water rich in bicarbonate, sulfate, calcium, and magnesium, has shown potential in modulating the gut-liver axis and microbiota in hepatic steatosis. However, its long-term effects on intestinal permeability (IP), systemic inflammation (SI), and oxidative stress-key factors in Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-remain unexplored. <b>Methods</b>: Eighty-seven MASLD patients were randomized into two groups: group A received Fonte Essenziale<sup>®</sup> (400 mL/day, fasting) plus a controlled nutritional regimen for 12 months, followed by a 6-month water washout; group B followed only the controlled nutritional regimen. IP markers, SI (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), oxidative stress (dROMs/BAP), and clinical data (including Controlled Attenuation Parameter-CAP) were assessed at baseline (T0), 12 months (T12), and post-washout (T18). Baseline increased IP (in-IP) was defined by fecal zonulin > 110 ng/mL and serum LBPp > 10 µg/mL; improvement (im-IP) required normalization of both. A ≥30% CAP reduction indicated steatosis improvement. <b>Results</b>: Thirty-eight patients in group A and thirty-nine in group B completed the study. At T12, group A showed significant reductions in fecal zonulin (<i>p</i>: 0.0163) and serum LBPp (<i>p</i> < 0.0001), with increased occludin and claudin 1 (all <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Im-IP prevalence was higher in group A (<i>p</i>: 0.0037). Group A also showed significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, LPS, and dROM/BAP (all <i>p</i> < 0.05), especially among those with im-IP. CAP, insulin, and HDL levels improved significantly (all <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis confirmed water intake (aOR: 2.185, <i>p</i>: 0.001) and im-IP achievement (aHR: 1.267, <i>p</i>: 0.021) as predictors of steatosis improvement. Benefits persisted at T18. <b>Conclusions</b>: Prolonged Fonte Essenziale<sup>®</sup> intake improved hepatic steatosis and MASLD outcomes by modulating IP, SI, and oxidative stress. This trial has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT07211113).

NutrientsVol. 17(21)
University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 57%
Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
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