The association of fructose and fiber consumption and physical activity with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most prevalent liver disease in overweight and obese children. While no cure exists, dietary and lifestyle modifications have been shown to improve the condition. This study investigates the relationship between fructose and fiber consumption, physical activity, and NAFLD in children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 378 overweight and obese children aged 6-13 years. NAFLD diagnosis was confirmed via ultrasound, and dietary intake was assessed using a 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Physical activity was evaluated using the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ). Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to determine the associations.

Results: After excluding 53 participants due to incomplete data, 325 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 9.2 ± 1.7 years, and 35% had NAFLD. No significant association was found between fructose intake and NAFLD (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.35-1.29, P = 0.221). However, higher intake of legume fiber (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26-0.90, P = 0.03) and nut fiber (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28-0.95, P = 0.04) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of NAFLD. Physical activity showed a trend towards reduced NAFLD risk but was not statistically significant after adjustments (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.22-1.04, P = 0.07).

Conclusions: While fructose intake was not significantly linked to NAFLD in this population, fiber from legumes and nuts appeared protective. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the role of physical activity in NAFLD prevention.