Dietary Patterns in Patients With Different Forms of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to compare food patterns in patients with simple steatosis (SS) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods Prospective study was approved by LEC and enrolled subjects with confirmed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (SS or NASH group). Nutrilogic software (Nutrilogic, Russia) was used for diet assessment. Dietary patterns were assessed according to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI): amounts of the major groups of foods and food products (grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, fats and confectioneries) consumption were compared to the levels described in the HEI, and individual deviation rates were obtained. Nonparametric statistics (Mann-Whitney U test) was used to compare deviation rates found in subjects of SS and NASH groups. Results Subjects in NASH group (n = 22) were younger (Mean ± SD: 48.6 ± 13.4 y.o.) than those in SS group (n = 156; 56.5 ± 12.3 y.o., P = 0.008). Main macronutrients consumption did not differ between the groups. Although dietary patterns of major groups of foods consumption did not differ between SS and NASH groups, analysis of the foods subgroups revealed dissimilarity in the structure of vegetables and fats consumption. Patients with NASH consumed larger amounts of potatoes (0.14 ± 0.08 vs 0.11 ± 0.15, P = 0.006), and lower – of onions (0.02 ± 0.03 vs 0.07 ± 0.1, P = 0.006); they also consumed lower amounts of dairy butter (0.14 ± 0.44 vs 0.15 ± 0.21, P = 0.009) compared to subjects with simple steatosis. No other difference in the structure of vegetables (beans, root crops, leafy and other vegetables), fats (animal fats, vegetable oils, margarines) and other major groups of foods consumption was revealed. Conclusions Dietary patterns of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and simple steatosis differ. The obtained results may help in diet modification in patients with NAFLD in case of confirmation in larger multicenter trials. Funding Sources Russian Science Foundation, grant #1976-30014.