Relationship between Dietary Macronutrient Composition and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Lean and Non-Lean Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract Objective: This study aimed to customize dietary changes for lean patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Design: This study was done with a population-based cross-sectional design. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to analyze dietary macronutrient intake and ultrasonography results for NAFLD diagnosis. The study subjects were divided into the lean and non-lean groups based on their body mass index (< 25 and ≥ 25). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between dietary macronutrients and NAFLD. Substitution analyses were also performed. Setting: Amol and its suburban areas in Iran. Participants: Adults in the age range of 18 to <65 with full relevant data. Results: Among the total study subjects (2308), 46.7% had fatty liver. The substitution of polysaccharides for animal protein and saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the lean group resulted in a significant NAFLD reduction; whereas, the substitution of SFA for all types of macronutrients, except for w-6 and mono-disaccharides, led to a significant increase in NAFLD (p<0.05). In non-lean participants, the substitution of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) for mono-disaccharides resulted in a significant reduction of NAFLD (p<0.05). In this group, the substitution of SFA and mono-disaccharides for MUFA, and w-6 for all macronutrients, except vegetable protein and SFA, were significantly related to an increase in NAFLD (p<0.05). Conclusions: Lower lean NAFLD is correlated with increasing polysaccharides in exchange for SFA and animal protein intake; whereas, lower non-lean NAFLD is correlated with increasing MUFA in exchange for mono-disaccharides and reducing w-6 and SFA.