The Effect of a High-fat vs. High-sugar Diet on Liver Fat Accumulation and Metabolism

The Effect of a High Fat Compared to a High Sugar Diet on Liver Fat Accumulation and Metabolism

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease in the world. It is currently unclear why fat starts to accumulate in the liver, although both the amount and type of food consumed have been implicated. The majority of studies that have investigated the effects of dietary fat or sugar on liver fat have fed volunteers excess calories, which are known to increase liver fat. The effect of specific dietary components, when consumed as part of a diet not containing excess calories, on liver fat accumulation remains unclear.

This research aims to investigate the role excessive consumption of specific macronutrients may play in the development of NAFLD. This will be achieved by subjecting participants to two specific dietary interventions (high-fat, low-carbohydrate and low-fat, high-carbohydrate) in a randomized, crossover research design. Liver fat content, and whole-body and hepatic fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism will be assessed before and after the specific dietary interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
• BMI >25 <35kg/m2
• No medical condition or relevant drug therapy known to affect liver, lipid or glucose metabolism

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <30 or >65 years
• Body mass index <25 or >35kg/m2
• A blood haemoglobin <120mg/dL
• Any metabolic condition or relevant drug therapy
• People who do not tolerate fructose
• Smoking
• History of alcoholism or a greater than recommended alcohol intake
• Pregnant or nursing mothers
• Women prescribed any contraceptive agent or device including oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or who have used these within the last 12 months
• History of severe claustrophobia
• Presence of metallic implants, pacemaker
• Haemorrhagic disorders
• Anticoagulant treatment