Dietary Patterns, Foods, and Nutrients to Ameliorate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Scoping Review

Nutrients. 2023 Sep 14;15(18):3987. doi: 10.3390/nu15183987.

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease without pharmacological treatment yet. There is also a lack of specific dietary recommendations and strategies to treat the negative health impacts derived from NAFLD.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to compile dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients to ameliorate NAFLD.

Methods: A literature search was performed through MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Results: Several guidelines are available through the literature. Hypocaloric Mediterranean diet is the most accepted dietary pattern to tackle NAFLD. Coffee consumption (sugar free) may have a protective effect for NAFLD. Microbiota also plays a role in NAFLD; hence, fibre intake should be guaranteed.

Conclusions: A high-quality diet could improve liver steatosis. Weight loss through hypocaloric diet together with physical activity and limited sugar intake are good strategies for managing NAFLD. Specific dietary recommendations and a Mediterranean plate have been proposed to ameliorate NAFLD.

Keywords: NAFLD; dietary guidelines; dietary recommendations; food; liver steatosis; nutrients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diet
  • Diet, Reducing
  • Food
  • Humans
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / etiology
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / prevention & control
  • Nutrients
  • Obesity / complications