Association Between Dietary Tea Consumption and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affects 25% of the global population and is linked to metabolic syndrome.
• Limited pharmacological treatments exist for NAFLD, highlighting the need for dietary interventions.
• Tea contains bioactive compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the association between dietary tea consumption and the risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to July 1, 2025.
• Included studies examined tea consumption in adults diagnosed with NAFLD.
• Data were synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis, with heterogeneity assessed by I² and Cochran's Q tests.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included 15 studies with 1,398,936 participants.
• Pooled odds ratio (OR) for tea consumption and NAFLD risk was non-significant (0.782; 95% CI: 0.549-1.113) with high heterogeneity (I²=84%).
• However, hazard ratios (HR) indicated a protective effect (0.855; 95% CI: 0.815-0.896), and cross-sectional studies showed a protective association (OR: 0.628; 95% CI: 0.420-0.939).

Conclusions:

• Dietary tea consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD.
• Further research is required to clarify these findings and establish evidence-based dietary recommendations.
• Considering the global prevalence of NAFLD, understanding dietary impacts is crucial for disease management.