A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition investigated the effectiveness of intermittent calorie restriction (ICR) compared to continuous calorie restriction (CCR) in managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The 12-week randomized controlled trial provides valuable insights into alternative dietary strategies for addressing this growing health concern.
The study, involving 60 adults with MASLD and abnormal glucose metabolism, randomly assigned participants to either an ICR group (two days of approximately 500 kcal/day fasting followed by five days of normal eating) or a CCR group. The primary outcome was the change in liver fat content (LFC), measured using 1H-Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Impact on Liver Fat Content
The results indicated that both ICR and CCR significantly reduced LFC. The ICR group experienced a mean reduction of -20.5% (95% CI: -25.0, -15.9%), while the CCR group saw a reduction of -15.5% (95% CI: -20.3, -10.8%). Although ICR showed a greater reduction, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.15).
Additional Metabolic Benefits
Exploratory endpoint analysis suggested that ICR might be associated with greater reductions in fat mass and glycosylated hemoglobin compared to CCR. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of weight, lean mass, insulin resistance, triglyceride levels, or liver stiffness.
Adherence and Clinical Implications
Notably, participants in both groups demonstrated high adherence to their respective dietary regimens. This suggests that the ICR 5:2 diet (five days of normal eating, two days of calorie restriction) could be a viable and well-tolerated alternative to traditional continuous calorie restriction for individuals with MASLD.
"The similar effects on reducing liver fat content, coupled with high adherence, suggest that the ICR 5:2 diet can be an effective alternative for treating MASLD," the researchers noted. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04283942.
MASLD: A Growing Concern
MASLD is a prevalent liver disease often associated with metabolic dysfunction, including obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Effective management strategies are crucial to prevent disease progression and associated complications. This study offers a promising dietary approach that warrants further investigation in larger and more diverse populations.
