Association between Different Animal Protein Sources and Liver Status in Obese Subjects with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Study

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Obesity and unhealthy dietary habits are described as risk factors for NAFLD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the consumption of different animal protein sources and hepatic status in NAFLD adults. A total of 112 overweight/obese participants with NAFLD from Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) study were evaluated at baseline. Diet, body composition, and biochemical variables were evaluated. Hepatic status was also assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, ultrasonography, and elastography. Red meat consumption showed a positive relationship with liver iron content (r = 0.224; p = 0.021) and ferritin concentration (r = 0.196; p = 0.037). Processed meat consumption exhibited a positive association with liver iron content (r = 0.308; p = 0.001), which was also found in the quantile regression (β = 0.079; p = 0.028). Fish consumption was related with lower concentration of ferritin (r = −0.200; p = 0.034). This association was further evidenced in the regression model (β = −0.720; p = 0.033). These findings suggest that the consumption of different animal protein sources differentially impact on liver status in obese subjects with NAFLD, showing fish consumption as a healthier alternative for towards NAFLD features.

Effects of two personalized dietary strategies during a 2‐year intervention in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized trial

“…Each item in the FFQ included a typical portion size and the frequencies of consumption were registered in nine categories that ranged from “Never or almost never” to “≥6 times/d”. The composition of the food items was derived from accepted Spanish food composition tables as previously described 17,28 . The adherence to the MedDiet was evaluated using a 17‐point screening questionnaire 29 .…”

Predictive Value of Serum Ferritin in Combination with Alanine Aminotransferase and Glucose Levels for Noninvasive Assessment of NAFLD: Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Study

“…Multiple environmental and genetic factors are involved in the onset and progression of NAFLD [6]. Concerning NAFLD treatments, weight loss induced by energy-restricted diets, physical activity promotion, and other lifestyle modifications have exhibited promising results leading to a better hepato-metabolic status [7,8]. Liver biopsy, the current reference standard, is an invasive and expensive procedure with some inherent surgical risks and only represents around 1/50,000 of the total hepatic volume [2,9]; however, it is still required for a definite diagnosis of NASH.…”

Antioxidant Lifestyle, Co-Morbidities and Quality of Life Empowerment Concerning Liver Fibrosis

“…In this context, the composition of the diet may have an important role in the management of NAFLD [ 36 ], since the severity of NAFLD has been associated with an increase in oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory status [ 37 ]. Indeed, specific foods such as meat [ 38 ], fruits [ 39 ], glycemic index [ 40 ] or protein content [ 41 ] have been involved on pro-oxidative and antioxidant patterns in liver patients. Furthermore, lifestyle factors have been associated with NAFLD in a Mediterranean cohort [ 42 ], which have repeatedly reported that physical activity, exercise and sport practice are related to oxidative stress [ 43 , 44 ].…”