Dietary patterns in relation to hepatic fibrosis among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial disorder that can progress to fibrosis. Several dietary patterns have been associated with histological features of NAFLD. However, little is known about the association between dietary patterns and hepatic fibrosis.

The current study aimed at identifying the relationship between major dietary patterns and hepatic fibrosis among patients with NAFLD.

This cross-sectional study included 170 eligible subjects with NAFLD. Diet was evaluated using three 3-day dietary records during a 1-month period. Hepatic fibrosis was diagnosed using Fibroscan. Western, Iranian, and healthy dietary patterns were extracted using factor analysis.

After adjustment for other risk factors, adherence to a Western dietary pattern was associated with the higher odds of fibrosis (OR: 4.21; 95% CI: 1.63-8.31), whereas adherence to a healthy dietary pattern was associated with the lower odds of fibrosis (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.10-0.49). Among main food groups, high intake of red meat, hydrogenated fats, and soft drinks was associated with the higher risk of fibrosis, whereas tea and coffee consumption had a protective role in hepatic fibrosis independent of other risk factors.

The adherence to a healthy dietary pattern characterized by high intake of low-fat dairies, white meat, nuts, vegetables, fruits, and vegetable oils combined with coffee and tea consumption might be helpful in the nutritional strategies against hepatic fibrosis.