The Effect of Intermittent Fasting Diet in Comparison With Low-Calorie Diet on Inflammation, Lipid Profile, Glycemic Index, Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of 16:8 Intermittent Fasting (IF) versus a low-calorie diet (LCD) on metabolic and liver health parameters in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
Results Summary
Both 16:8 IF and LCD improved anthropometric measures and liver enzyme levels, but LCD showed superior reductions in liver steatosis, fibrosis, and serum triglycerides. Neither intervention significantly affected inflammatory markers or oxidative status.
Population
52 patients with MAFLD (specific demographics not detailed).
Effective Dosage
16:8 IF (time-restricted feeding window, exact calorie intake not specified).
Duration
10 months.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16:8 IF diet | decrease | anthropometric measures | 52 patients with MAFLD | - | led to improvements | #1 |
16:8 IF diet | decrease | liver enzyme levels | 52 patients with MAFLD | - | led to improvements | #2 |
low-calorie diet (LCD) | decrease | anthropometric measures | 52 patients with MAFLD | - | led to improvements | #3 |
low-calorie diet (LCD) | decrease | liver enzyme levels | 52 patients with MAFLD | - | led to improvements | #4 |
low-calorie diet (LCD) | decrease | liver steatosis | 52 patients with MAFLD | -52.40 vs -44.63 dB/m | showed superior outcomes in reducing | #5 |
low-calorie diet (LCD) | decrease | fibrosis | 52 patients with MAFLD | -0.74 vs -0.004 Kpa | showed superior outcomes in reducing | #6 |
low-calorie diet (LCD) | decrease | serum triglycerides | 52 patients with MAFLD | -24.08 vs 11.22 mg/dL | led to a significant decrease | #7 |
16:8 IF diet | no change | inflammatory markers | 52 patients with MAFLD | - | neither intervention significantly affected | #8 |
low-calorie diet (LCD) | no change | inflammatory markers | 52 patients with MAFLD | - | neither intervention significantly affected | #9 |
16:8 IF diet | no change | oxidative status | 52 patients with MAFLD | - | neither intervention significantly affected | #10 |
low-calorie diet (LCD) | no change | oxidative status | 52 patients with MAFLD | - | neither intervention significantly affected | #11 |
BACKGROUND: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent condition with significant health and economic burdens. Dietary interventions, such as intermittent fasting (IF) and low-calorie diets (LCD), have shown promise in managing MAFLD, but their comparative efficacy remains unclear. METHODS: This 10-month, parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a 16:8 IF diet with an LCD on 52 patients with MAFLD. Anthropometric, biochemical, liver enzyme, steatosis, fibrosis, inflammatory, and oxidative status parameters were assessed before and after the interventions. RESULTS: Both diets led to improvements in anthropometric measures and liver enzyme levels, with no significant differences between groups. However, the LCD group showed superior outcomes in reducing liver steatosis (-52.40 vs -44.63 dB/m; P < 0.001) and fibrosis (-0.74 vs -0.004 Kpa; P = 0.01) compared to the IF group. LCD also led to a significant decrease in serum triglycerides (-24.08 vs 11.22 mg/dL; P = 0.02), while neither intervention significantly affected inflammatory markers or oxidative status. CONCLUSION: While both IF and LCD can be effective in managing MAFLD, LCD may offer additional benefits in terms of liver fat reduction and improvement in certain lipid parameters. These findings highlight the complexity of dietary interventions in MAFLD and the need for personalized approaches.