Processing Status, Rather Than Meat Source, Is Associated with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver...

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Hepatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent global liver condition.
• Dietary factors, particularly meat consumption, are linked to MASLD development.
• The specific impact of meat processing versus meat source on MASLD risk requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between meat intake and MASLD.
• To differentiate the roles of meat processing status and meat source in MASLD risk.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1828 adults from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
• Classification of meat intake into processed/unprocessed and red meat/poultry categories.
• MASLD diagnosis using controlled attenuation parameter via transient elastography.

Main Results:

• Increased processed meat intake (per 1 oz-eq/day) correlated with a 27% higher odds of MASLD (OR 1.27).
• Highest processed meat consumption tertile showed 2.46 times greater MASLD odds compared to the lowest.
• No significant association was found between unprocessed meat intake and MASLD.
• Substituting processed meat with unprocessed meat reduced MASLD odds by 24%.

Conclusions:

• Meat processing status, not the source (red meat vs. poultry), is more strongly associated with MASLD.
• Reducing processed meat consumption may be a key dietary strategy for MASLD prevention.