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Low Diet Quality Index-International score associated with risk for NAFLD

Researchers in Hong Kong, China, found that a low Diet Quality Index-International score increased a Chinese adult’s likelihood of having nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, especially among men and adults with obesity, according to published findings.

“In view of the scarcity of evidence on this topic and the fact that Chinese diets are different from Western diets, the present study aimed to examine the association of two diet-quality scores, namely the Mediterranean Diet Score … and the Diet Quality Index-International … with NAFLD prevalence,” researchers wrote.

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with data from 797 adults using Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and the Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), as well as conducting further analyses such as proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diet assessment. The MDS and DQI-I scores were selected for use in the analysis over other scores because the Mediterranean diet has been known for its positive effects and protection against NAFLD, and is similar to the Chinese diet. The DQI-I was used as an “effective means of cross-national comparative work for global understanding of diet quality,” according to the research.

Of the patients, 41.7% were male, 220 were diagnosed with NAFLD and the prevalence of NAFLD was 27.6%. Patients with NAFLD tended to be older and more likely to be male and current drinkers compared with patients without NAFLD (P < .05 for both)

Higher MDS and DQI-I was associated with a lower intake of beverages, dim sum, egg/egg products, fast food, meat, poultry and organ meat.

“Both scores were positively associated with the intakes of fish and seafood, grains and cereals, and plant-based foods, such as fruits, soy and soy products, and vegetables and legumes,” the researchers wrote.

MDS and DQI-I were found to be have a positive association with percentage of energy from carbohydrate and intakes of dietary fiber and vitamin C, yet showed a negative association with percentage of energy from total fat and saturated fat, and cholesterol intake (P < .05 for all).

In a multivariate linear regression model, researchers found that a higher MDS or DQI-I score was associated with a lower intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG). Using a cut-off value of at least 5% for IHTG for defining NAFLD, the DQI-I was associated with the prevalence of NAFLD. In addition, a 10-unit decrease in DQI-I was associated with a 24% increase in the likelihood of having NAFLD in an age- and sex-adjusted model (95% CI, 1.06–1.45). This association remained significant after adjustments for other lifestyle factors, metabolic components and the PNPLA3 genotypes (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.54).

The association between DQI-I and the prevalence of NAFLD was higher in men and those who were overweight or obese.

“A better diet quality as characterized by a higher DQI-I and a higher consumption of vegetables, legumes and fruits was associated with a reduced likelihood of having NAFLD in Chinese adults in Hong Kong,” the researchers concluded. – by Melinda Stevens

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.