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, and Oxidative Stress

TL;DR

Drinking a specific mineral water for a year improved liver disease outcomes by reducing gut permeability and inflammation in patients with MASLD.

Contribution

This study is the first to demonstrate long-term benefits of mineral water intake on MASLD via effects on intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation.

Findings

Fonte Essenziale® intake significantly reduced intestinal permeability markers and systemic inflammation in MASLD patients.

Mineral water consumption led to improved liver steatosis and metabolic markers over 12 months.

Benefits persisted even after a 6-month washout period, suggesting lasting effects.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Fonte Essenziale®, 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. Methods: Eighty-seven MASLD patients were randomized into two groups: group A received Fonte Essenziale® (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. Results: 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 (p: 0.0163) and serum LBPp (p < 0.0001), with increased occludin and claudin 1 (all p < 0.0001). Im-IP prevalence was higher in group A (p: 0.0037). Group A also showed significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, LPS, and dROM/BAP (all p < 0.05), especially among those with im-IP. CAP, insulin, and HDL levels improved significantly (all p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis confirmed water intake (aOR: 2.185, p: 0.001) and im-IP achievement (aHR: 1.267, p: 0.021) as predictors of steatosis improvement. Benefits persisted at T18. Conclusions: Prolonged Fonte Essenziale® 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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