The Risk Of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease And Dietary Components:A Meta-analysis

Objective: To evaluate the association between the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and dietary components.Methods: Published literature without year restrictions between food groups and the risk of NAFLD were retrieved and screened from MEDLINE,EMBASE and Web of Science databases,we analyzed the data by using Stata release 15.1.Results: Out of 5438 retrieved articles,27 observational studies(16 cross-sectional studies,8 case-control studies and 3 cohort studies)met our eligibility criteria and were finally included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.Meta-analysis showed that consumption of both red meat(OR=1.36;95%CI: 1.07-1.72;P=0.011)and sugary soft drinks(OR=1.29;95% CI: 1.18-1.39;P=0.000)contributed to a positive association with NAFLD risk.Inversely,nut consumption(OR=0.94;95%CI: 0.91-0.98;P=0.001)was negatively associated with risk of NAFLD.There were no significant influences on the risk of NAFLD about consuming whole grains(OR=1.00;95%CI: 0.99-1.01;P=0.824),refined grains(OR=1.03,95% CI: 0.98-1.07;P=0.205),fish(OR=0.90;95%CI: 0.73-1.10;P=0.290),fruits(OR=1.19;95%CI: 0.96-1.48;P=0.111),vegetables(OR=1.01;95% CI: 0.98-1.04;P=0.621),eggs(OR=0.97;95%CI: 0.82-1.15;P=0.714),dairy(OR=1.02;95%CI: 0.92-1.14;P=0.649)and legumes(OR=0.83;95%CI: 0.67-1.01;P=0.066).Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that individuals who consumed more red meat and sugary soft drinks may have a significant increased risk of NAFLD,whereas higher nut intake may be negatively associated with NAFLD risk.Furthermore,there were no significant influences on the risk of NAFLD about consuming whole grains,refined grains,fish,fruits,vegetables,eggs,dairy and legumes.Further high-quality prospective studies are required to assess the association between food patterns and risk of NAFLD.