Nutrients, Vol. 17, Pages 3491: Dietary Interventions in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Narrative Review of Evidence, Mechanisms, and Translational Challenges
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu17213491
Authors:
Alejandra Paredes-Marin
Yulu He
Xiaotao Zhang
Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly attracting growing concern around the world. While there has been progress in the development of pharmacologic treatments, lifestyle and dietary interventions remain as the first-line approach for management. This scoping review aimed to identify dietary strategies for managing MASLD and to highlight current research gaps and challenges. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Science Direct was conducted up to 10 July 2025, for relevant studies on dietary modifications and MASLD. Data extracted included types of interventions, outcomes related to liver health, and research limitations. Results: Dietary interventions were shown to consistently improve hepatic and metabolic outcomes. In a randomized controlled trial of 12 weeks (n = 259), a Mediterranean diet reduced hepatic steatosis by 39% and improved insulin sensitivity. A calorie-restricted lifestyle program in adults with MASLD (n = 196) reduced liver fat by 25% over 52 weeks. Resistant starch supplementation (n = 200) lowered intrahepatic triglyceride content by 8% through gut microbiome modulation. A pilot RCT of medically tailored meals in cirrhosis (n = 40) reduced ascites symptoms and improved quality of life. Finally, prebiotic supplementation in MASLD (n = 200) lowered systemic inflammation and increased immune-regulating microbes. In contrast, Western dietary patterns and ultra-processed foods were consistently linked to lipotoxicity and inflammation. Conclusions: Dietary interventions remain critical for the management of chronic liver disease and continue to play a vital role even as pharmacotherapy options emerge. Further research should explore precision nutrition and microbiome-based therapies while also addressing the methodological limitations like the underutilization of causal inference frameworks. Finally, it is also important to consider culturally tailored interventions to account for barriers in access and equity in underserved populations.
Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly attracting growing concern around the world. While there has been progress in the development of pharmacologic treatments, lifestyle and dietary interventions remain as the first-line approach for management. This scoping review aimed to identify dietary strategies for managing MASLD and to highlight current research gaps and challenges. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Science Direct was conducted up to 10 July 2025, for relevant studies on dietary modifications and MASLD. Data extracted included types of interventions, outcomes related to liver health, and research limitations. Results: Dietary interventions were shown to consistently improve hepatic and metabolic outcomes. In a randomized controlled trial of 12 weeks (n = 259), a Mediterranean diet reduced hepatic steatosis by 39% and improved insulin sensitivity. A calorie-restricted lifestyle program in adults with MASLD (n = 196) reduced liver fat by 25% over 52 weeks. Resistant starch supplementation (n = 200) lowered intrahepatic triglyceride content by 8% through gut microbiome modulation. A pilot RCT of medically tailored meals in cirrhosis (n = 40) reduced ascites symptoms and improved quality of life. Finally, prebiotic supplementation in MASLD (n = 200) lowered systemic inflammation and increased immune-regulating microbes. In contrast, Western dietary patterns and ultra-processed foods were consistently linked to lipotoxicity and inflammation. Conclusions: Dietary interventions remain critical for the management of chronic liver disease and continue to play a vital role even as pharmacotherapy options emerge. Further research should explore precision nutrition and microbiome-based therapies while also addressing the methodological limitations like the underutilization of causal inference frameworks. Finally, it is also important to consider culturally tailored interventions to account for barriers in access and equity in underserved populations. Read More