Association Between Protein Intake From Different Animal and Plant Origins and the Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Previous studies have frequently reviewed how different macronutrients affect liver health. Still, no study centered around protein intake and the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk relationship. This study aimed to examine the association between the consumption of total and different sources of protein and NAFLD risk. We allocated 243 eligible subjects to the case and control groups, including 121 incidence cases of NAFLD, and 122 healthy controls. Two groups were matched in age, body mass index, and sex. We evaluated the usual food intake of participants using FFQ. Binary logistic regression was conducted to estimate the risk of NAFLD in relation to different sources of protein intake. The age of participants was 42.7 years on average, and 53.1% were male. We found Higher intake of protein in total (odds ratio [OR], 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11–0.52) was significantly associated with a lower risk of NAFLD, despite adjusting for multiple confounders. in detail, higher tendency to the vegetables (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.13–0.59), grains (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11–0.52), and nuts (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12–0.52) as the main sources of protein, were remarkably correlated with lower NAFLD risk. In contrary, increased intake of meat protein (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.46–6.81) was positively associated with a higher risk. Totally, more calorie intake from proteins was inversely associated with lower NAFLD risk. This was more likely when the protein sources were selected less from meats and more from plants. Accordingly, increasing the consumption of proteins, particularly from plants, may be a good recommendation to manage and prevent NAFLD.

Effect of Nut Consumption on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“… Association of nut intake with NAFLD according to a random effects meta-analysis. CI, confidence interval [ 2 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Black dots: odds ratio value.…”

“… NOS, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale; BMI, body mass index; PAL, physical activity level; SSB, sugar-sweetened beverages; MUFA, monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids; DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid; HEI-2015, Healthy Eating Index 2015; CVD, cardiovascular disease; HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c. [ 2 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. …”

“…EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid; HEI-2015, Healthy Eating Index 2015; CVD, cardiovascular disease; HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c [2,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][33][34][35][36]…”

A Review on Therapeutic Effects of L-Carnitine: An Update

“…Such fatty foods might again increase carnitine depletion due to overconsumption.Therefore 'Mediterranean Diet' based on lean meat, lamb, fish, low-fat milk, nuts & fruits, is found to be effective. A case-control study by Khazaei et al, 2023, found a significant reduction in liver enzymes of the case group NAFLD subjects, after consuming a Green Mediterranean diet, more plant proteins (soy, nuts, vegetables and grains) and less animal protein.…”

Delivery of a telehealth supported home exercise program with dietary advice to increase plant-based protein intake in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a 12-week randomised controlled feasibility trial

“…For instance, foods of animal origin are a source of animal protein and saturated fatty acids which may increase insulin resistance and CVD risk while foods of plant origin are a source of plant proteins, fibre and bioactive compounds, which are associated with cardiometabolic benefits ( 22 , 23 ) . Data from population-based studies suggest a high consumption of animal protein (especially red and/or processed meat) may increase the risk of NAFLD ( 24 , 25 ) , while greater intake of plant proteins and fish may be protective ( 26 , 27 ) . A diet that emphasises plant sources of protein is also in line with the Mediterranean diet composition that is recommended in NAFLD clinical guidelines ( 4 ) .…”