Dietary pattern associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-diabetic adult patients: A case control study.

BACKGROUND: Dietary intake is an important factor in the development and management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) however, optimal food group composition remains unclear. Data on detailed food group intake of NAFLD patients from India is scarce.

METHODS & MATERIALS: In this study with 320 participants (160 NAFLD cases and 160 controls), dietary habits were assessed using a 24-h dietary recall for two days and a validated 142-item food frequency questionnaire over the past year. Principal component analysis identified dietary patterns associated with NAFLD among the participants.

RESULTS: Cases were having a significantly higher intake of edible oils and fats along with nuts and oilseeds as compared to controls (p < 0.05). There was a positive and significant association with edible oils and fats with NAFLD [OR (95 % CI):1.7 (1.11-2.49) p = 0.013). In dietary pattern analysis western dietary pattern was found to be a risk for NAFLD whereas protective dietary pattern was associated with the decreased risk of NAFLD.

CONCLUSION: The overall food groups intake in NAFLD cases and controls was low suggesting lower diet quality. Protective dietary pattern found to be beneficial for NAFLD. High intake of sugars and edible oils associated with western dietary pattern increases the risk of NAFLD.