RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BALTIC SEA DIET AND HEALTHY NORDIC DIET INDEX WITH RISK OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Changes in nutrition and lifestyle have led to an increase in the public health concerns in Pakistan around non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This research examines the association between the risk of NAFLD in the Pakistani population and adherence to the Baltic Sea Diet (BSD) and Healthy Nordic Diet (HND) Index.

Methods: 388 people were included in a cross-sectional study that was carried out at LRH Peshawar between September 2023 and August 2024. A validated questionnaire was used to evaluate dietary adherence to the BSD and HND. An ultrasound of the abdomen was used to diagnose NAFLD. The association between diet adherence and NAFLD was investigated using statistical analysis that controlled for possible confounders such age, gender, BMI, and physical activity.

Results: The diagnosis of NAFLD was made in 39% of cases. A lower frequency of NAFLD was substantially correlated with higher adherence to the BSD and HND. NAFLD risks were 55% lower in the high adherence BSD group (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.28-0.72, p < 0.01) and 50% lower in the high HND adherence group (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.80, p < 0.01). Important dietary elements that have been shown to protect against NAFLD include whole grains, salmon, veggies, and low-fat dairy.

Conclusion: In Pakistani people, a lower incidence of NAFLD is linked to higher adherence to BSD and HND. These results imply that encouraging these eating habits can be a useful tactic for Pakistan's NAFLD prevention.