Association Between Live Microbe Intake and NAFLD: Evidence From NHANES 2003–2018

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to shed light on the potential relationship between live microbe intake and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Method By using a cross-sectional study design, the researchers were able to investigate the possible causal association between the two variables in a rigorous and systematic manner. Results Our study investigated the correlation between the intake of live microbe–containing foods and NAFLD in a representative sample of adults. The study found that the intake of live microbe–containing foods was associated with lower blood pressure, plasma glucose, NAFLD, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p < 0.05). In univariate logistic regression, high dietary live microbe intake was associated with lower NAFLD prevalence than low intake (OR = 0.830; 95% CI, 0.759 to 0.908; p < 0.001). After adjusting for multiple variables, the same conclusion was supported (p < 0.05). In subgroup analyses, there was a significant difference in the race and smoking groups, with p for interaction of 0.01 and 0.02, respectively. This study’s findings serve to augment the existing body of evidence linking live microbes with favorable health outcomes. Conclusions Our study revealed a robust correlation between dietary intake of live microbes and the prevalence of NAFLD in a cross-sectional analysis. Our findings offer a novel perspective on NAFLD research, highlighting the potential of targeted modulation of specific bacterial taxa, including the promotion of beneficial bacteria and suppression of harmful ones, as a promising strategy for preventing and treating NAFLD.