Amsterdam: For the first time scientists has shown that a diet high in animal protein was associated with a higher risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD in overweight people.
A healthy liver should contain little or no fat and NAFLD is usually seen in people who are overweight or obese.
But a western-diet rich in red meat means NAFLD is a growing health problem which can lead to permanent scarring or cirrhosis and subsequently to cancer and liver failure resulting in a need for an organ transplant.
Having high levels of fat in the liver was also associated with an increased risk of problems such as diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
The Rotterdam Study is an ongoing population-based research project. For the current study, data from 3,440 people were collated. 30% of the participants were considered lean and the remaining 70% were overweight.
The average age was 71, and their diet was assessed using a 389-item food frequency questionnaire.
