A recent bibliometric review by an international team of researchers highlights the critical role of diet in the prevention and management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a growing global health concern affecting one in four adults. NAFLD, characterized by excessive fat buildup in the liver, is closely linked to diet and lifestyle. If untreated, it can progress to severe liver conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The researchers analyzed over 12,000 studies and identified key dietary factors that are studied for their influences on NAFLD. Findings emphasize that diets high in simple sugars, unhealthy fats, and low in fiber can increase NAFLD risk. In contrast, nutrient-dense diets, like the Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, may help prevent liver fat buildup and promote liver health.
Specific nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, and curcumin showed promise in diverse studies in managing NAFLD by reducing inflammation and liver fat. While lifestyle changes remain the frontline approach for NAFLD management, this study summarizes ongoing research to explore dietary supplements and nutraceuticals as supportive treatments.
This comprehensive work underscores the importance of diet in liver health and aims to guide future dietary recommendations to combat NAFLD in both humans and animals. The study was conducted by a team from leading institutions worldwide, including the Polish Academy of Sciences and the University of Hong Kong.
Full text: Yeung, A.W.K., Ksepka, N., Matin, M., Wang, D., Souto, E.B.., Stoyanov, J., Echeverría, J., Tewari, D., Horbańczuk, J.O., Lucarini, M., Durazzo, A., Marchewka, J., Pirgozliev, V., Gan, R.Y., Tzvetkov, N.T.., Wysocki, K., Matin, F.B., Litvinova, O., Bishayee, A., Devkota, H.P., El-Demerdash, A., Brnčić, M., Santini, A., Horbańczuk, O.K.., Mickael, M.E., Ławiński, M., Das, N., Siddiquea, B.N., Hrg, D. & Atanasov, A.G.. Dietary factors in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: impacts on human and animal health – a review. Animal Science Papers and Reports, 2023, Sciendo, vol. 41 no. 3, pp. 179-194. https://doi.org/10.2478/aspr-2023-0007