Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Sarcopenia: Influence of Habitual Food

Background: Sarcopenia is a clinical condition linked to various liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD includes a spectrum from steatosis to steatohepatitis, which may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The influence of dietary habits and nutrient intake on MASLD and its progression is well-established. However, the association between dietary consumption and sarcopenia in MASLD patients remains underexplored. This study evaluated whether there is an association between sarcopenia and habitual food consumption in MASLD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with outpatients diagnosed with MASLD. Sarcopenia was defined based on the 2019 EWGSOP2 criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using three 24 h recalls per patient, with intrapersonal variance corrected using the Multiple Source Method (MSM) software (Version 1.0.1). Steatosis was diagnosed via upper abdominal ultrasound, and the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) was used to assess hepatic fibrosis. Results: MASLD patients (n = 76) were evaluated. The mean age was 52.9 (SD, 12.0) years, and 75.0% were female. Two had sarcopenia, and 27.6% (n = 21) had probable sarcopenia (characterized by low muscle strength only). Among probable sarcopenia, F1-F2 were observed in 61.9%, and 23.8% had indeterminate FIB-4 grades. Calcium intake was lower among patients with probable sarcopenia than those no sarcopenia (p = 0.04). Conclusions: In these MASLD patients, only two patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia, and around a third had probable sarcopenia. The majority of MASLD patients with lower calcium, energy, and protein intake, but only lower calcium intake in those with probable sarcopenia.