Risk of metabolic syndrome in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

BACKGROUND: Patients with the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the dietary intake and dietary diversity score (DDS) in terms of the risk of MetS in patients with NAFLD. METHODS: This case- control study was conducted on 96 patients with NAFLD and 114 healthy subjects who were referred to radiology clinics in Kermanshah, Iran. Dietary intake and body composition were assessed by the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the bioelectrical impedance analysis respectively. Dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated using data from this FFQ. MetS was determined using the international diabetes federation (IDF) criteria. RESULTS: 55.2% of NAFLD patients had MetS. Patients with NAFLD consumed significantly less fruits, grains, and dairy products than healthy subjects ( p < 0.001, p = 0.027 and 0.022). Higher intake of red meat in healthy subjects was associated with the increased risk of MetS (OR: 2.16; CI 95% :1.11–4.19). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a high prevalence of MetS in NAFLD patients. Higher intake of red meat can increase the risk of MetS.