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Grinshpan LS, Eilat-Adar S, Ivancovsky-Wajcman D, Kariv R, Gillon-Keren M, Zelber-Sagi S. Ultra-processed food consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance: A systematic review. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100964. [PMID: 38234408 PMCID: PMC10792654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background High ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is associated with the development of various diet-related non-communicable diseases, especially obesity and type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to systematically review the association between UPF consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its leading risk factors; metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance (IR). Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane (March 2023), and references of the identified articles were checked. The search keywords were defined through an exploratory investigation in addition to MeSH and similarly controlled vocabulary thesauruses. Observational and interventional studies were included. Studies that focused only on specific groups of processed foods or overlapping dietary patterns were excluded. The quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools for observational studies and Cochrane's risk of bias 2 tool for randomized-control trials. A narrative synthesis was employed to report the results. Results Fifteen studies were included, with a total of 52,885 participants, one randomized-controlled trial, and fourteen observational studies (nine cross-sectional and five prospective). The review has shown a significant association between UPF consumption and NAFLD in three studies out of six, MetS in five out of eight, and IR in one out of three. All large-scale prospective cohorts that studied NAFLD or MetS outcomes demonstrated a positive association. In contrast, studies that did not demonstrate significant associations were mostly cross-sectional and small. The evidence for an association with IR was insufficient and conflicting. Conclusion The included studies are few, observational, and based upon self-reported dietary assessment tools. However, current evidence indicates that UPF is not only associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes but may also be a risk factor for NAFLD and MetS. UPF is a worldwide concern deserving further longitudinal research. Impact and implications Overconsumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) may lead to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not well established. The present systematic review shows that UPF may be associated with NAFLD, although more large prospective studies are needed. These findings emphasize the importance of minimizing the consumption of UPF to prevent NAFLD and other metabolic diseases among the general adult population. This systematic review and further prospective studies, epidemiological or interventional, can help physicians provide patients with evidence-based nutritional recommendations and will support policymakers in restricting the marketing of UPF as well as promoting affordable, healthy, and minimally processed foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sol Grinshpan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Gastroenterology Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Dana Ivancovsky-Wajcman
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Gastroenterology Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Revital Kariv
- Department of Gastroenterology Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Gillon-Keren
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Sciences, Kibbutzim College of Education Technology and the Arts, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shira Zelber-Sagi
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Gastroenterology Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Fridén M, Mora AM, Lind L, Risérus U, Kullberg J, Rosqvist F. Diet composition, nutrient substitutions and circulating fatty acids in relation to ectopic and visceral fat depots. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:1922-1931. [PMID: 37633021 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Short-term randomized trials have demonstrated that replacing saturated fat (SFA) with polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) causes a reduction or prevention of liver fat accumulation, but population-based studies on diet and body fat distribution are limited. We investigated cross-sectional associations between diet, circulating fatty acids and liver fat, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and other fat depots using different energy-adjustment models. METHODS Sex-stratified analyses of n = 9119 (for serum fatty acids) to 13 849 (for nutrients) participants in UK Biobank were conducted. Fat depots were assessed by MRI, circulating fatty acids by NMR spectroscopy and diet by repeated 24-h recalls. Liver fat, VAT and IMAT were primary outcomes; total adipose tissue (TAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) were secondary outcomes. Three a priori defined models were constructed: the all-components model, standard model and leave-one-out model (main model including specified nutrient substitutions). Imiomics (MRI-derived) was used to confirm and visualize associations. RESULTS In women, substituting carbohydrates and free sugars with saturated fat (SFA) was positively associated with liver fat (β (95% CI) = 0.19 (0.02, 0.36) and β (95% CI) = 0.20 (0.05-0.35), respectively) and IMAT (β (95% CI) = 0.07 (0.00, 0.14) and β (95% CI) = 0.08 (0.02, 0.13), respectively), whereas substituting animal fat with plant fat was inversely associated with IMAT, ASAT and TAT. In the all-components and standard models, SFA and animal fat were positively associated with liver fat, IMAT and VAT whereas plant fat was inversely associated with IMAT in women. Few associations were observed in men. Circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were inversely associated with liver fat, IMAT and VAT in both men and women, whereas SFA and monounsaturated fatty acids were positively associated. CONCLUSIONS Type of dietary fat may be an important determinant of ectopic fat in humans consuming their habitual diet. Plant fat and PUFA should be preferred over animal fat and SFA. This is corroborated by circulating fatty acids and overall consistent through different energy adjustment models. TWITTER SUMMARY In UK Biobank, intake of saturated- and animal fat were positively whereas biomarkers of polyunsaturated fat were inversely associated with liver-, visceral- and intermuscular fat. Type of dietary fat may be a determinant of ectopic fat, a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fridén
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Andrés Martínez Mora
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ulf Risérus
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Joel Kullberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Antaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik Rosqvist
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Nouri M, Davies IG, Webb RJ, Mazidi M, Makhtoomi M, Rezaianzadeh A, Johari MG, Faghih S. The association between ultra-processed foods and conventional markers of cardiovascular risk in an adult Iranian population. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2023; 33:1951-1959. [PMID: 37543517 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS According to the NOVA classification system, ultra-processed foods result from extensive industrial processing and use ingredients derived from food and non-food products, which can negatively impact on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Despite this, few studies have investigated UPFs in Middle Eastern populations regardless of high consumption in this region. METHODS AND RESULTS This cross-sectional study was conducted on data from the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran Kharemeh cohort (n = 6611). Food frequency questionnaires were assessed and the ratio of total UPFs energy/total energy intake was calculated. Data was categorized into tertiles of UPF consumption using the NOVA classification system. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess differences in nutrient and food intakes between tertiles and logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the associations between UPFs and CVD risk factors. After adjustment for potential confounders the logistic regression analysis revealed significant positive relationships between intakes of UPFs and waist circumference (WC) (T2: OR; 1.34, 95% CI; 1.13-1.60 - T3: OR; 1.41, 95% CI; 1.18-1.69, P ˂0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (T2: OR; 1.20, 95% CI; 1.05-1.37 - T3: OR; 1.27, 95% CI; 1.11-1.45, P ˂0.001), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL) (T2: OR; 1.21, 95% CI; 1.07-1.37 - T3: OR; 1.24, 95% CI; 1.10-1.41, P ˂0.001) and LDL-C to HDL-C ratio (T2: OR; 1.15, 95% CI; 1.02-1.31 - T3: OR; 1.21, 95% CI; 1.07-1.38, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION The consumption of UPFs was positively associated with WC and atherogenic blood lipids. However, increased intakes of fiber and unsaturated fats were also found in those consuming more UPFs, which was not expected. These findings offer insights into an understudied population and warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Nouri
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Students' Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ian G Davies
- Research Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Richard J Webb
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Taggart Avenue, Liverpool L16 9JD, UK
| | - Mohsen Mazidi
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Richard Doll Building, Old Road Campus, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Maede Makhtoomi
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Students' Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Rezaianzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health and Nutrition, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Shiva Faghih
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Nutrition Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Petrov MS. Fatty change of the pancreas: the Pandora's box of pancreatology. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:671-682. [PMID: 37094599 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00064-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Prevention of common diseases of the pancreas or interception of their progression is as attractive in theory as it is elusive in practice. The fundamental challenge has been an incomplete understanding of targets coupled with a multitude of intertwined factors that are associated with the development of pancreatic diseases. Evidence over the past decade has shown unique morphological features, distinctive biomarkers, and complex relationships of intrapancreatic fat deposition. Fatty change of the pancreas has also been shown to affect at least 16% of the global population. This knowledge has solidified the pivotal role of fatty change of the pancreas in acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes. The pancreatic diseases originating from intrapancreatic fat (PANDORA) hypothesis advanced in this Personal View cuts across traditional disciplinary boundaries with a view to tackling these diseases. New holistic understanding of pancreatic diseases is well positioned to propel pancreatology through lasting research breakthroughs and clinical advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim S Petrov
- School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Henney AE, Gillespie CS, Alam U, Hydes TJ, Cuthbertson DJ. Ultra-Processed Food Intake Is Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102266. [PMID: 37242149 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D) due to chronic caloric excess and physical inactivity. Previous meta-analyses have confirmed associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) intake and obesity and T2D. We aim to ascertain the contribution of UPF consumption to the risk of developing NAFLD. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO (CRD42022368763)). All records registered on Ovid Medline and Web of Science were searched from inception until December 2022. Studies that assessed UPF consumption in adults, determined according to the NOVA food classification system, and that reported NAFLD determined by surrogate (steatosis) scores, imaging or liver biopsy were included. The association between UPF consumption and NAFLD was assessed using random-effects meta-analysis methods. Study quality was assessed, and evidence credibility evaluated, using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and NutriGrade systems, respectively. A total of 5454 records were screened, and 112 records underwent full text review. From these, 9 studies (3 cross-sectional, 3 case-control and 3 cohort), analysing 60,961 individuals, were included in the current review. Both moderate (vs. low) (pooled relative risk 1.03 (1.00-1.07) (p = 0.04) (I2 = 0%)) and high (vs. low) (1.42 (1.16-1.75) (<0.01) (I2 = 89%)) intake of UPF significantly increased the risk of NAFLD. Funnel plots demonstrate low risk of publication bias. Consumption of UPF is associated with NAFLD with a dose-response effect. Public health measures to reduce overconsumption of UPF are imperative to reduce the burden of NAFLD, and the related conditions, obesity and T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex E Henney
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5TR, UK
- Metabolism & Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
| | - Conor S Gillespie
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5TR, UK
- Metabolism & Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
| | - Theresa J Hydes
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5TR, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
| | - Daniel J Cuthbertson
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5TR, UK
- Metabolism & Nutrition Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
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