A diet high in vegetables, nuts, legumes and other minimally processed plant-based foods is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of steatotic liver disease (SLD) in young adults, according to a new study published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN.
The study was conducted by researchers from Flinders University, Edith Cowan University and The University of Western Australia. It analyzed data from 887 participants in the Raine Study Generation 2 cohort, all assessed at age 27.
Using MRI-based measurements to estimate liver fat, researchers found that 16% of participants met the criteria for SLD. Dietary intake was assessed through food frequency questionnaires and categorized using a modified Overall Diet Score that classified foods as healthy or unhealthy.
Higher consumption of vegetables, nuts, fish and seafood, coffee, tea and legumes was associated with lower odds of SLD. In contrast, greater intake of fruit juice, processed animal products, processed meats, and sweets and desserts was linked to higher odds.
Overall, greater intake of healthy foods was associated with reduced odds of SLD, even after accounting for waist circumference, sex, alcohol use and physical activity. The association remained statistically significant among males after adjustment. Unhealthy food intake alone was not independently associated with SLD once other factors were considered.
Researchers concluded that diets centered on unprocessed or minimally processed plant-based foods may help protect against fatty liver disease in early adulthood, independent of central body fat.
