Eating a healthy lunch improves serum alanine aminotransferase activity

Abstract

BackgroundNutritional guidance and diet control play important roles in the treatment of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver. However, in Japan, nutritional guidance is difficult to provide in practice. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of providing the ‘once-a-day’ intervention of a healthy lunch on various metabolic parameters.MethodsFor a 1-month preparatory period, 10 subjects generally consumed the lunches that were provided by the worksite cafeteria. This was followed by a 1-week washout period, after which, the subjects consumed healthy, low-calorie, well-balanced lunches for a 1-month test period. After the preparatory and test periods, blood samples were obtained from all subjects. The serum levels of indices relevant to metabolic syndrome and fatty liver were measured.ResultsSerum alanine aminotransferase activity significantly decreased by 20.3% after the healthy intervention. However, the indices of metabolic syndrome did not significantly change. Analysis of the relationship between serum alanine aminotransferase activity and nutrient content indicated that the improvement of serum alanine aminotransferase status was due to the higher vegetable content and lower animal-source protein of the meals provided.ConclusionsIn summary, the ‘once-a-day’ intervention of providing a healthy lunch improved serum alanine aminotransferase status. A diet high in vegetables and low in animal-based protein is important in maintaining a healthy condition.

Association of the Nonalcoholic Hepatic Steatosis and Its Degrees With the Values of Liver Enzymes and Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance Index

“…Elevated ALT levels appear to be associated with NAFLD clinically and histologically [ 24 ], since those levels reflect the eating habits of the patient, with decreasing levels observed after the consumption of a diet rich in vegetables and low in animal protein [ 25 ]. Bi et al (2014) evaluated more than 8,000 people and had higher values of AST and ALT in the group of patients with NAFLD compared to the control group, and found that patients with NAFLD with advanced degrees had significantly increased aminotransferase values, thus, there was strong correlation between the levels of these enzymes and NAFLD [ 26 ].…”

Elevated levels of alanine transaminase and triglycerides within normal limits are associated with fatty liver

“…Elevated ALT levels are associated with NAFLD clinically and histologically ( 10 , 17 ). The levels of ALT reflect the eating habits of the patient, with decreased levels observed following the consumption of a diet high in vegetables and low in animal-based protein ( 18 ). In the present study, the threshold value of ALT for the diagnosis of NAFLD was 19.0 IU/l.…”

Effects of pre-germinated brown rice treatment high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome in C57BL/6J mice

“…5) Therefore, in addition to the use of pharmaceuticals to control metabolic syndrome, patients would be welladvised to pay more attention to appropriate energy intake and eating well-balanced diets. 6) White rice is an important starchy food staple consumed by more than half of the global population especially developing countries of Asia and Africa, 7) but the glycemic index of this staple is high, making it inappropriate for frequent consumption by patients with diabetes. 8) A newly developed type of rice, pre-germinated brown rice (PGBR), made by soaking brown rice kernels in water to slightly germinate them, may be more healthful than white rice because it is richer in nutrients and dietary fiber.…”