What diet can we offer to patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis?

Sydphanie I.André-Dumont et al

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects a quarter of the world's population, some of whom will progress to a more severe form called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The main factor leading to this condition is an unbalanced diet. No drug treatment is approved to date and only dietary management can improve the histological lesions of NASH through weight loss. However, the efficacy of standard diets, patient compliance and the ability to maintain weight loss over the long term are common difficulties. In this review, we analyze recent scientific data on different types of diet (Mediterranean diet, intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet), which can bring benefits on general and liver health. Drawbacks or limitations are also listed. The possible benefit of other nutritional strategies (coffee consumption, omega-3, polyphenols…) is discussed. The value of dietary change could be tailored to the patient's needs without necessarily imposing an intense weight loss.