Journal Articles
Publication Date
6-1-2023
Journal
Nutrients
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diet is associated with metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), but the dietary composition associated with MAFLD risk has not been well-examined.
AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the association of two healthy eating indices with the presence and severity of MAFLD in a sample of Veterans in a primary care setting.
METHODS: This was a single center cross-sectional study using a random stratified sample of Veterans enrolled in primary care. Participants underwent a Fibroscan and completed an interviewer-administered Diet History Questionnaire II from which we calculated the Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess associations of dietary quality with MAFLD.
RESULTS: We analyzed data from 187 participants, 53.5% of whom were female. On average, participants were 50.2 years of age (SD, 12.3 years) with an average BMI of 31.7 kg/m
DISCUSSION: We found that the Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score was significantly associated with lower MAFLD risk in Veterans; however, the association was mediated by BMI and total energy intake. A Mediterranean-style diet could potentially help reduce the risk of MAFLD, particularly if it helps control total energy intake and weight.
Keywords
Female, Humans, Male, Cross-Sectional Studies, Diet, Mediterranean, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Primary Health Care, Veterans, Adult, Middle Aged