Diet with adequate copper and iron intake improves MAFLD management

A recent study by Journal of Nutritional Science found the intricate relationship between nutrition and health, the results uncovered compelling evidence linking micronutrient intake to Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD).

The study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and aimed to explore the association between specific micronutrients and MAFLD, a term introduced in 2020 to replace Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

The research included 5,976 participants and revealed intriguing insights into the impact of copper and iron intake on MAFLD. After meticulous adjustment for potential confounding factors, the results indicated a substantial association between higher copper intake and a reduced risk of MAFLD. Also, participants in quartiles Q3 and Q4 for copper intake demonstrated significantly lower odds of MAFLD, with odds ratios of 0.68 (95% CI 0.50, 0.93) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.45, 0.80) respectively.

The study highlighted the importance of iron intake in the prevention of MAFLD. Those in quartiles Q2 and Q3 for iron consumption exhibited lower odds of MAFLD, with odds ratios of 0.64 (95% CI 0.45, 0.92) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.41, 0.91) respectively.

These findings suggest that a diet rich in copper and an adequate intake of iron may play a pivotal role in managing MAFLD, providing valuable guidance for individuals seeking preventive measures against this prevalent metabolic disorder. This research contributes significantly to our understanding of the role nutrition can play in maintaining liver health. Further exploration regarding this may pave the way for targeted dietary interventions and customized approaches in the management of MAFLD, offering hope for a healthier future. 

Source:

Hou, J., Wu, Q., & Zhang, L. (2023). Association between micronutrients intake and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In Journal of Nutritional Science (Vol. 12). Cambridge University Press (CUP). https://doi.org/10.1017/jns.2023.99