Vegetarian diets may help prevent the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
This study examined the role of dietary patterns in the prevention and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Using validated food frequency questionnaires, researchers collated and analyzed data on the diets of 3400 vegetarians and non-vegetarians who were non-smokers and non-alcoholics and had no previous history of hepatitis B or C infection. The relative risk of fatty liver disease and the presence of liver fibrosis were determined in all the participants in this study using the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease score and ultrasonography respectively.
Researchers observed that vegetarians had lower risk of having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and less severe liver fibrosis than non-vegetarians. According to this study, substituting a serving of soy with a serving of fish or meat and a serving of whole grains with refined grains and processed fruit juices increased the likelihood of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by 12 – 13% and 3 – 12% respectively. The results of this study show that high intake of meat, fish, refined grains, and processed fruit juices may contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.