The effects of sesame oil consumption on fatigue and mental health status in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effect of sesame oil (SO) on fatigue and mental health status in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) undergoing a weight-loss diet. Design/methodology/approach In total, 60 women with NAFLD were randomly assigned to receive 30 g/day of either SO (n = 30) or sunflower oil (n = 30). All the patients received a hypocaloric diet (−500 kcal/day) for 12 weeks in a double-blinded controlled trial. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, physical activity, fatigue and mental health status were measured at the baseline and the trial cessation. Findings In total, 53 participants completed the intervention. Significant reductions in anthropometric indices were observed in both groups (p-value = 0.001). Following SO, fatigue (p-value = 0.002), anxiety (p-value = 0.011) and depression (p-value = 0.013) scores were significantly reduced, while no significant changes were observed in stress scores. Originality/value In summary, the present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of SO consumption on fatigue and mental health status among patients with NAFLD. The results revealed SO consumption significantly reduced fatigue, anxiety and depression scores in comparison with the control group, but not for stress scores. Further clinical trials, different doses, with a longer duration of intervention, in different groups, are necessary to confirm the veracity of the results.