Evaluation of nutritional status and compliance with the mediterranean diet in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional habits, food consumption status, anthropometric measurements, physical activity status, biochemical findings, and compliance with the Mediterranean diet in adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients. The study was conducted with 82 individuals between the ages of 18-64, who applied to the Nutrition and Diet Polyclinic of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine between November 2023 and February 2024, were diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by a physician, and agreed to participate in the study voluntarily. A 24-hour food consumption record was taken to evaluate the nutritional status of the individuals. The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (PREDIMED), consisting of 14 questions, was applied to the individuals in order to determine their compliance with the Mediterranean diet. Individuals were divided into groups as poor, moderate, and good according to the Mediterranean diet adherence scale. It was determined that 41.5% of the individuals participating in the study had poor compliance with the Mediterranean diet, 54.8% had moderate compliance with the Mediterranean diet, and 3.7% had good compliance with the Mediterranean diet. The average PREDIMED score of men was found to be 5.6±1.9, and the average PREDIMED score of women was found to be 6.3±1.7 (p>0.05). The daily energy value of individuals with poor compliance with the Mediterranean diet was determined to be 2430.9±825.3 kcal, and the daily energy value of individuals with moderate compliance was determined to be 1734.2±618.5 kcal. It was determined that individuals with poor compliance with the Mediterranean diet had higher daily energy intake (p<0.05). It was found that individuals with moderate compliance with the Mediterranean diet consumed more plant protein than individuals with poor compliance (p<0.05). The daily omega-6 consumption of individuals with poor and moderate PREDIMED scores was determined to be 14.1±9.9 mg and 24.7±16.4 mg, respectively. It was determined that individuals with low compliance with the Mediterranean diet had lower omega-6 consumption (p<0.05). The waist circumference of individuals with Grade 1 liver steatosis was determined as 104.0±11.9 cm, while the waist circumference of individuals with Grade 3 liver steatosis was determined as 114.8±12.9. It was determined that the waist circumference of individuals with Grade 1 steatosis was lower than the waist circumference of individuals with Grade 3 steatosis (p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between age and PREDIMED score. It was determined that as the age of the individuals increased, their compliance with the Mediterranean diet increased (p<0.05). As a result, it was determined that individuals with poor compliance with the Mediterranean diet had higher daily energy intake and lower vegetable protein and omega-6 intake. It was determined that individuals with poor compliance with the Mediterranean diet had eating habits associated with NAFLD. It is thought that compliance with the Mediterranean diet can be considered as a treatment approach due to its positive effects on NAFLD.