Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Lipid Profile, Anthropometric and Hepatic Markers in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Systematic Review

Title:Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Lipid Profile, Anthropometric and Hepatic Markers in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Systematic Review

Volume: 22 Issue: 3

Author(s): María Fernanda Castillo*, Daniela Salgado-Canales, Marco Arrese, Francisco Barrera and Dimitri P Mikhailidis

Affiliation:

• Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, El Líbano 5524, Macul, Santiago, Chile

Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, intermittent fasting, body weight, hepatic steatosis, alanine aminotransferase, fibrosis, lipids.

Abstract:

Background: The first-line treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is lifestyle modification; this should accompany any pharmacological intervention. Intermittent fasting (IF) has shown benefits over metabolic and cardiovascular parameters. Non-religious IF includes Time-Restricted Feeding (TRF), Alternate-Day Fasting (ADF), and 5:2 IF interventions.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of IF on anthropometric, liver damage, and lipid profile markers in subjects with NAFLD.

Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using PubMed and Scopus databases.

Results: Five studies involving 470 patients with NAFLD were included. In relation to anthropometric markers, all the articles reported body weight reduction (2.48-7.63%), but only ADF and 5:2 IF reported a body weight reduction >5%; also, all the articles reported fat mass reduction. Concerning hepatic markers, all the articles reported a reduction in hepatic steatosis and alanine aminotransferase activity, but no changes in fat-free mass and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. There were variable results on fibrosis, other liver enzymes, waist circumference and body mass index, as well as the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusion: Any form of IF could be potentially beneficial for NAFLD treatment and some associated cardiometabolic parameters. However, it is necessary to evaluate the effects and safety of IF in long-term studies involving a higher number of participants with different stages of NAFLD. The effect of IF on NAFLD-associated vascular risk also needs evaluation.

Cite this article as:

Castillo Fernanda María*, Salgado-Canales Daniela, Arrese Marco, Barrera Francisco and Mikhailidis P Dimitri, Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Lipid Profile, Anthropometric and Hepatic Markers in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Systematic Review, Current Vascular Pharmacology 2024; 22 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0115701611285401240110074530