The Journal of Nutrition has recently published a new study which aimed to explore the relationship between nuts and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most common liver disease in the world.
The study specifically looked at non-Mediterranean Western adults. In total, 25,360 participants, all older than 18 years old from the 2005-2018 NHANES were included. The individuals also had negative serology for hepatitis B and C and non-excessive alcohol consumption. NAFLD was measured using the fatty liver index, along with metabolic biomarkers. Nut and seed consumption was analyzed by two 24-hour dietary recalls. After conducting statistical analysis, the results showed that nut and seed consumption was associated with a reduced prevalence of NAFLD. For females, this association was seen across all groups of consumption, with moderate consumption being the most prominent. For males, a lower prevalence of NAFLD was also seen in the moderate consumption group.
In conclusion, the study points to nut and seed consumption being associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD in non-Mediterranean, US adults. Both females and males showed a lower prevalence of NAFLD for moderate consumption of nuts and seeds, which was defined as 15-30 grams per day.
Cardoso, B. R., Tan, S. Y., Daly, R. M., Via, J. D., Georgousopoulou, E. N., & George, E. S. (2021). Intake of Nuts and Seeds Is Associated with a Lower Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in US Adults: Findings from 2005–2018 NHANES. The Journal of Nutrition.