The present invention relates to the use of sphingolipids for the preparation of a food item, a food supplement and/or a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of hepatotoxic effects such as hepatic steatosis, fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. In particular, the invention relates to the use of a sphingolipid with the general formula (I): wherein Z is R3 or --CH(OH)--R3; A is sulphate, isulphonate, phosphate, phosphonate or --C(O)O--; R1 is H, hydroxyl, alditol, glycosyl, an alcohol, C1-C6 alkyl or amino acid; R2 is H or unsaturated or saturated (C1-C30) alkyl chain; R3 is unsaturated or saturated (C1-C30) alkyl chain; Q1 is a primary amine group (--NH2), secondary amine group (--NH--) or an amide group (--NH--CO--); and t is 0 or 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of hepatotoxic effects such as hepatic steatosis, fibrosis and/or cirrhosis.