ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY AND NUTRIENTS -MACRO AND MICRO- INTAKE, AND DIETARY PATTERNS AMONG ARAB METABOLIC ASSOCIATED STEATOTIC LIVER DISEASE (MASLD) PATIENTS LIVING IN QATAR

Abstract

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common and increasingly prevalent liver condition, characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver in patients with at least one metabolic risk factor (e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension). MASLD includes a spectrum of disorders ranging from liver steatosis to hepatocarcinoma. Diet and lifestyle influence the progression of the disease. Aim: To assess energy, macro and micro-nutrients intake and compare these intakes with the daily recommended allowances (RDA) and assess dietary patterns among MASLD patients living in Qatar. Methods: A cross sectional study included 94 Arab patients with MASLD living in Qatar aged 18 years old. Participants were regular follow up patients at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) outpatient clinic. MASLD was diagnosed by Ultrasonography, Fibroscan or Elastography. Dietary intake was assessed using three 24-hour recalls and Qualitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) administered by a trained dietician. Personal information was taken using self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was be performed using STATA 18 software. Continuous variables are presented as means ± SD, while categorical data are presented as number observed and observation frequency. Factor loadings performed using STATA18. Energy, macro, and micronutrients were analyzed using ESHA's Food Processor® Nutrition Analysis software. Linear regression analysis was used to describe any associations of the predictor variables with outcomes at significance of p < 0.05. Confounders including age, sex, education level and energy were adjusted for. Results: 94 MASLD patients had high intake of fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Reduced intake of vitamins K, E, and A (retinol). And low intakes of calcium, magnesium and high intakes of selenium compared to RDA. Three dietary patterns were identified the ‘Traditional Qatari food’ pattern, ‘Prudent’ pattern, and ‘Fast-food’ pattern no significant association between BMI, LDL, and dietary patterns. Conclusion: Patients with MASLD exceeded fat recommendations (macronutrients), while their micronutrients intake was mainly less or exceeded recommended RDA. ‘Traditional Qatari food’, and ‘Fast food’ patterns were high in fat and refined grains while ‘Prudent’ pattern reflected healthy pattern.