Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and dietary intake characteristics in children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction and aims

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic disease (MASLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents. The development of MASLD is associated with dietary habits, and dietary intake characteristics are a relevant risk factor. The aim of the present study was to analyze dietary intake characteristics in children and adolescents and study how diet varies in subjects with and without MASLD.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted that included children and adolescents from 8 to 18 years of age. The criteria for MASLD included steatosis on abdominal ultrasound study and meeting at least one metabolic syndrome criterion. Obesity was diagnosed based on the age-appropriate body mass index. Dietary habits were evaluated utilizing a 2-day food register collected on different representative days (Tuesday and Sunday), focusing on dietary energy intake, macronutrients, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trans fats, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.

Results

A total of 89 children and adolescents were evaluated; 50 (56%) were females and 21 (24%) presented with MASLD. The MASLD group had lower intake of protein (median [interquartile range] 76.6 g [57.7−87.7] vs. 85.8 [71.0−114.1], p = 0.035), vitamin E (mean [standard deviation] 6.0 [2.8] vs. 8.0 [6.2], p = 0.040), zinc (7.9 [2.7] vs. 10.3 [4.9], p = 0.031), and iron (9.9 [2.5] vs. 12.2 [5.4], p = 0.009), compared with the non-MASLD group. After confounding variable adjustment, only the waist-to-height ratio was associated with MASLD.

Conclusion

The quantity and quality of foods may be related to MASLD, and abdominal obesity should be prevented in childhood.