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. 2021 Jun;16(6):e12758.
doi: 10.1111/ijpo.12758. Epub 2020 Dec 9.

A Prudent dietary pattern is inversely associated with liver fat content among multi-ethnic youth

Wei Perng  1   2   3 , Robyn Harte  1 , Brandy M Ringham  1 , Ana Baylin  3 , Anna Bellatorre  1 , Ann Scherzinger  4 , Michael I Goran  5 , Dana Dabelea  1   2   6
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A Prudent dietary pattern is inversely associated with liver fat content among multi-ethnic youth

Wei Perng et al. Pediatr Obes. 2021 Jun.

Abstract

Objectives: To identify dietary patterns associated with hepatic fat fraction (HFF), a measure of liver fat content and risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in a prospective study of 397 multi-ethnic youth.

Methods: We obtained information on habitual dietary intake via the Block Kids Food Frequency Questionnaire at age 6 to 15 years ('T1') and 12 to 19 years ('T2'), and measured HFF using magnetic resonance imaging at T2. We derived dietary patterns via principal components analysis and examined associations with ln-transformed HFF using linear regression models that accounted for maternal education, gestational diabetes exposure and smoking habits; and child pubertal status, BMI and physical activity.

Results: At T1, none of the dietary patterns identified were associated with HFF measured at T2. At T2, a Prudent dietary pattern characterized by high fruit and vegetable intake was inversely associated with HFF (-0.08 [95% CI: -0.16, -0.00]). Similarly, increased adherence to the Prudent pattern across T1 and T2 corresponded with lower ln-HFF (-0.11 [-0.18, -0.04] units). On the other hand, adherence to a Western pattern comprising fried foods and refined carbohydrates at T2 correlated with higher HFF among non-Hispanic White participants (0.16 [0.06, 0.26]). These findings persisted after accounting for child BMI.

Conclusions: Even in healthy youth, a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with lower HFF, whereas a diet high in fried foods and refined carbohydrates is related to higher HFF. Dietary changes may serve as an early preventive measure to mitigate liver fat accrual.

Keywords: adolescents; diet; epidemiology; hepatic fat fraction; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

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References

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