Mediterranean diet vs. regional diet in a Mexican population with MAFLD: 3-month cohort

Introduction and Objectives

Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of a multisystemic disease. The Mediterranean diet has been proposed as an effective option in the initial treatment of these patients. The Regional diet is based on traditional Mexican food, favoring the consumption of fiber and antioxidants. This study aimed to compare the Mediterranean diet (MD) versus the regional diet (RD) in patients with MAFLD in a three-month cohort.

Materials and Methods

Prospective, comparative, longitudinal and experimental study in patients diagnosed with hepatic steatosis by ultrasound and transient elastography (FibroScan). Student's T-test was used for related samples for numerical variables. The trial was approved by the research ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained.

Results

Twenty-one patients were studied, mean age of 58.3±8, female gender predominated (57.1%). Two groups were selected randomly; 8 (%) participants were assigned to the MD group and 13 (%) to the RD group. The comorbidities reported were diabetes mellitus (71.4%), followed by systemic arterial hypertension (38.1%). Most participants showed obesity at baseline (61.9%). The group with MD showed a significant reduction in steatosis and visceral fat (p<0.0002); no significant changes were observed in Kpa (p=0.291) (Table 1)

Conclusions

The Mediterranean diet was shown to be effective in reducing intrahepatic fat. The inclusion of foods such as beans, corn, and prickly pear (nopal) should be promoted, reducing the risk of expression of chronic diseases associated with metabolic disorders in Mexico.

Funding

The resources used in this study were from the hospital without any additional financing

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.