Positive Association of the Dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA Ratio with Fatty Liver in Mexican Adults

Background: The increase in obesity rates and related liver diseases has risen in recent years in Mexico. Dietary factors, such as the imbalance between n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been associated with a higher risk of developing conditions such as fatty liver. The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of the dietary n-6/n-3 ratio on fatty liver in Mexican adults. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 213 Mexican adults aged 18 to 65 years, of both genders. The dietary n-6/n-3 ratio was calculated using the Nutritionist Pro software. Participants were divided into two groups according to the median of their dietary n-6/n-3 intake ratio: "low" (<10.2:1) and "high" (≥10.2:1). Anthropometric and biochemical markers were evaluated using standardised methods. The hepatic steatosis index (HSI) was used as a surrogate marker of fatty liver. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to predict fatty liver based on HSI. Results: Overall, the mean dietary n-6/n-3 ratio was 12.75 in the general population. Higher HSI values were found in participants with a high n-6/n-3 ratio (p = 0.038). In the multivariate model, the n-6/n-3 ratio was positively associated with high HSI (OR = 1.48, 95% CI, 1.02, 1.99). Conclusions: This study concludes that a high n-6/n-3 ratio may contribute to the development of fatty liver in Mexican adults. These results highlight the importance of a balanced intake of fatty acids to prevent metabolic complications and improve public health.