Dietary Intervention Study on Liver Health in Young Adults

Interdisciplinary Project on Liver Health With a Focus on Steatotic Changes - Pilot Project of the Radiologic Technology, Dietetics, and Biomedical Analysis Programs

This prospective randomized dietary intervention study investigates the effects of two dietary approaches on liver health in young adults over a 12-week period. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Mediterranean diet intervention or a healthy diet based on general dietary recommendations.

Liver health will be assessed using the Ultrasound-Guided Attenuation Parameter (UGAP), together with laboratory parameters, body composition measurements, and anthropometric assessments. Measurements will be performed at baseline, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks.

The study aims to evaluate changes in liver fat and related metabolic parameters over time and to investigate associations between UGAP measurements, laboratory parameters, and body composition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 20 to 30 years
• Currently enrolled as a student
• Body mass index (BMI) less than or equal to 29 kg/m^2
• Willingness to attend all three study visits at baseline, Week 6, and Week 12
• Willingness to follow the assigned dietary intervention throughout the 12-week study period
• Ability to understand the study information and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known acute or chronic liver disease, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
• Acute hepatitis
• History of liver transplantation
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Heart failure or ascites
• Electronic or implanted medical devices that contraindicate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), such as a cardiac pacemaker
• Pregnancy
• Regular use of medications other than oral contraceptives, including medications with potential hepatotoxic effects
• Extreme dietary patterns or use of dietary supplements that may interfere with study outcomes
• Unwillingness to follow the assigned dietary intervention or comply with standardized measurement conditions
• Inability to provide informed consent