Relationship between liver biochemical tests and dietary intake in patients with liver disease

Relationships between liver biochemical test values and reported frequency of consumption of various foods were examined using a principal-component analysis of data from 42 patients with chronic liver disease. The statistical procedure identified relationships among biochemical and dietary variables. One relationship included the variables albumin, bilirubin, and frequency of intake of fruits and vegetables, starch, and meats. A relationship was also found between serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and fat/oil intake. Data from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and noncholestatic liver disease were compared using a correlational analysis. In patients with PBC, serum ALP levels were positively correlated with frequency of intake of fat/oil (r = 0.59, p < 0.01) and meats (r = 0.46, p < 0.05), whereas serum bilirubin (Bili) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly correlated with frequency of intake of dairy products (rs = 0.48 and 0.45, ps < 0.05 for Bili and AST, respectively), meats (rs = 0.59 and 0.65, ps < 0.01), and fat/oil (r = 0.54, p < 0.02 and r = 0.48, p < 0.05). In patients with noncholestatic liver disease, Bili levels were correlated with frequency of intake of fat/oil (r = 0.58, p < 0.01), and fruits and vegetables (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). These results suggest that the degree of elevation of some liver biochemical tests in patients with liver disease may be affected by dietary intake.