Galactose Intake Is Related to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Publisher



Emamat H¹ ; Farhadnejad H² ; Poustchi H³ ; Hekmatdoost A²
Source: Nutrition and Food Science Published:2019

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the association between galactose intake and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Design/methodology/approach: In total, 196 newly diagnosed patients with NAFLD and 803 controls were recruited from a referral hepatology clinic. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. Dietary intakes of galactose were compared between cases and controls. Findings: Median (interquartile range) of dietary galactose intake was 2.24 (1.36-3.53) g/day for all subjects. In age and sex adjusted-model, subjects in the highest tertile of galactose intake had more than three times higher risk of NAFLD compared with those in the lowest tertile (odds ratio [OR]: 3.05; 95 per cent confidence interval [CI]: 2.02-4.54), (p-value < 0.001). Additionally controlling for body mass index (BMI), physical activity, energy intake and dietary lactose intake, the direct association between galactose intake and NAFLD remained significant (OR: 2.77; 95 per cent CI: 1.55-4.95), (p-value < 0.001). Originality/value: This study was the first one to assess the association between galactose intake and risk of NAFLD. © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited.