Nutritional status, diet and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in elders

Objective: evaluate the inter-relations between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and dietary factors in a population of hypertensive elders. Methods: 229 hypertensive elder patients were evaluated, from June to December 2009. All the patients that accepted to participate in the study signed a free consent term. An anthropometric evaluation was carried out and the body composition was evaluated. The diagnosis of NAFLD was determined by the American guidelines. The regular food intake was estimated through a 24 hour questionnaire. Results: the weighted excess, by the body mass index and excess of abdominal fat, were associated with NAFLD (p < 0.001). An inverse profile was found with the diet variables. Conclusion: the studied group presents a health risk situation, considering the nutritional status markers. The regular diet appeared to be inadequate, showing excess of sodium and low fiber and vegetables intake.