Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in Western countries and expose patients to increased risk of hepatic and cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Both environmental factors and genetic predisposition contribute to the risk. An inappropriate diet, rich in refined carbohydrates, especially fructose, and saturated fats, and poor in fibers, polyunsaturated fats, and vitamins is one of the main key factors, as well as the polymorphism of patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3 gene) for NAFLD and the apolipoproteins and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family for the cardiovascular damage. Beyond genetic influence, also epigenetics modifications are responsible for various clinical manifestations of both hepatic and CV disease. Interestingly, data are accumulating on the interplay between diet and genetic and epigenetic modifications, modulating pathogenetic pathways in NAFLD and CV disease. We report the main evidence from literature on the influence of both macro and micronutrients in NAFLD and CV damage and the role of genetics either alone or combined with diet in increasing the risk of developing both diseases. Understanding the interaction between metabolic alterations, genetics and diet are essential to treat the diseases and tailoring nutritional therapy to control NAFLD and CV risk.

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A case‐control study of 85 cases with non‐typhoid Salmonella gastroenteritis, 85 outpatient controls and 79 inpatient controls was conducted among children in Monfalcone, north‐east Italy, between June 1989 and June 1994. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, duration of breastfeeding, history of intestinal illnesses and household diarrhoea, and the recent use of antimicrobials. Breastfeeding was the single most important factor associated with a 5‐fold decreased risk of Salmonella infection. In addition, children who were treated with antimicrobials before onset of gastroenteritis had a 3‐fold increased risk. Low social class and history of other chronic non‐infectious intestinal diseases were also directly associated with illness.

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