Cited by 113Liver Disease Diagnosis and TreatmentNutritional Studies and DietDiet, Metabolism, and Disease

Food groups and the likelihood of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Open access
He, Kaiyin, Li, Yuting, Guo, Xin, Zhong, Lu, Tang, Shaohui·2020·British Journal Of Nutrition

Abstract

Dietary habits have been implicated in the development and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several epidemiological studies attempted to assess the relationship between food groups and the likelihood of NAFLD, but these results were conflicting. The present meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association between food groups and the likelihood of NAFLD. Published literature was retrieved and screened from MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science. Out of 7892 retrieved articles, twenty-four observational studies (fifteen cross-sectional studies and nine case–control studies) met our eligibility criteria and were finally included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Consumption of both red meat and soft drinks contributed to a positive association with NAFLD. Inversely, nut consumption was negatively associated with NAFLD. There were no significant influences on the likelihood of NAFLD about consuming whole grains, refined grains, fish, fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy products and legumes. This meta-analysis suggests that individuals who consumed more red meat and soft drinks may have a significantly increased likelihood of NAFLD, whereas higher nut intake may be negatively associated with NAFLD. Further prospective studies are required to assess the association between food patterns and NAFLD.

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Crossref · 10.1017/s0007114520000914

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  • The Mediterranean diet advocates the reduction of sugars and refined carbohydrates, saturated fat, ultra-processed foods, and red and processed meat, which are all related to MASLD risk in observational studies.

    “Notably, the Mediterranean diet advocates the reduction of sugars and re fi ned carbohydrates, saturated fat, ultra-processed foods, and red and processed meat, which are all related to MASLD risk in observational studies. 104,284,299 -301”

    From EASL-EASD-EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). (2024) · cites this paper as [299]

    The Discussion (page unavailable) describes low red/processed-meat consumption as part of the Mediterranean diet, and the meta-analysis of observational studies associates red meat and soft drinks with greater NAFLD likelihood. But the Refined grains section reports no significant association; the paper does not establish observational associations for ultra-processed foods or saturated fat as separate categories. It therefore does not support the claim that all the listed foods and nutrients are associated with risk. (LLM, conf=0.88)

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  1. Higgins JP & Green SE (2011) Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 5.1.0. Oxford: The Cochrane Collaboration. http://handbook-5-1.cochrane.org/

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Authors
He, K., Li, Y., Guo, X., Zhong, L., & Tang, S.
Affiliations
Jinan University (CN)
Corresponding author
Tang, Shaohui
Venue
British Journal Of Nutrition
Published
2020-03-06
Volume
124
Issue
1
Pages
1-13
ISSN
  • 0007-1145 (ISSN-L)
  • 1475-2662
OpenAlex
W3009728730
Cited by
113
References
77
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 29 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 4
FWCI
2.63
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • British Journal Of Nutrition (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Nutritional Studies and Diet
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diet, Metabolism, and Disease
Keywords
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, food groups, dietary habits, red meat consumption, soft drink consumption, nut consumption, whole grains, refined grains, fish consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, dairy products, Fabaceae, eggs

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