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Research Team Identifies Key NAFLD Prevention Factor
A CDU-led team of researchers have identified high-fructose consumption as a factor in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ). The research was presented at the annual ENDO 2022 meeting which took place this month in Atlanta , Georgia . The research concludes that high fructose consumption should be avoided to help prevent the development of NAFLD .
NAFLD is the term for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver . About 24 % of U . S . adults have NAFLD , a chronic disease that can progress to chronic liver damage and lead to cirrhosis , with some patients requiring a liver transplant . This buildup of fat is not caused by heavy alcohol use . Diet and exercise are the standard of care for NAFLD although there are medicines that can treat the disease .
NAFLD prevalence differs by race / ethnicity with Mexican Americans having the highest rate and Blacks having the lowest rate . Studies have suggested that consumption of high-fructose corn syrup is likely a risk factor for NAFLD . The team of researchers investigated the associations between fructose consumption and NAFLD , and its distribution by race / ethnicity in the adult US population .
Led by Theodore C . Friedman , M . D ., Ph . D . Professor of Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine at CDU and Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine , and using the NHANES 2017-2018 database , they found a connection between fructose consumption and NAFLD that partially explains the racial / ethnic disparities of NAFLD . They also noted that the above average high-fructose corn syrup consumption amongst minority populations could fuel NAFLD-related health outcome disparities .
“ NAFLD is a serious problem , and it is increasing in the population . There is a racial / ethnic difference in the prevalence of the NAFLD and how these populations consume high-fructose corn syrup in foods , soft drinks , and other beverages ,” noted Dr . Friedman , whose other roles include Lead Physician of Endocrinology at Martin Luther King , Jr . Outpatient Center .
The research team included researchers from Ohio University and University of Florida . Joining Dr . Friedman from CDU was Dr . Magda Shaheen , Associate Professor for the Internal Medicine department and Director of Research Methods / Statistical Unit and UHI core ; Katrina Schrode , Research Manager / Data Analyst for the Psychiatry department ; and Dulcie Kermah , Assistant Professor for the College of Medicine .