Exploring the association between dietary fiber intake and hepatic steatosis: insights from NHANES

BMC Gastroenterol. 2024 May 10;24(1):160. doi: 10.1186/s12876-024-03256-1.

Abstract

Purpose: The link between dietary fiber intake and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is under exploration, yielding inconsistent findings. Considering the limitations of previous research and the significance of dietary fiber in hepatic steatosis, this study investigates the association between dietary fiber intake and Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) among 5935 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Materials and methods: Multivariable regression was used to evaluate the association between dietary fiber intake and CAP. Smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis techniques were applied to illustrate non-linear relationships.

Results: After adjusting for other variables, a negative correlation emerged between dietary fiber intake and CAP. Subgroup analysis by gender and race/ethnicity revealed a sustained negative association between dietary fiber intake and CAP among females and Whites. Additionally, an inverted U-shaped relationship was observed between dietary fiber intake and CAP among women and other race, with inflection points at 13.80 g/day and 33.45 g/day, respectively.

Conclusion: Our research indicates that in the majority of Americans, there is an inverse relationship between dietary fiber intake and hepatic steatosis. This relationship exhibits an inverted U-shaped curve in women and other race, with a threshold effect. The findings of this study hold potential significance for clinical nutrition interventions, personalized dietary guidance, and advancing research into the diet-disease mechanism relationship.

Keywords: Controlled attenuation parameter; Cross-sectional study; Dietary fiber intake; Hepatic steatosis; NHANES.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Fiber* / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / epidemiology
  • Nutrition Surveys*
  • Sex Factors
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Dietary Fiber