Study Finds High-Fat Dairy Linked to Increased Risk of Fatty Liver Disease

New Delhi: A recent study published in the Journal of Hepatology Reports has highlighted the potential risks associated with the consumption of high-fat dairy products.

The research, conducted by a team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, points to an increased risk of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in individuals who frequently consume high-fat dairy items such as whole milk, cream, frozen yoghurt, butter, and ghee.

The study fills a critical gap in understanding the relationship between different types of dairy consumption and liver health. While MASLD has known links to nutrition, the differential impact of high-fat versus low-fat dairy products had not been extensively explored until now.

To investigate this, the researchers conducted experimental studies on mice and complemented their findings with an observational study involving human participants. In the animal study, six-week-old male mice were placed on a high-fat diet (HFD) comprising lard, soybean oil, and milk fat for 12 weeks.

The results showed that all high-fat diets led to weight gain and steatosis, without significant changes in liver enzymes. However, milk fat was found to elevate serum cholesterol and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) more than other high-fat sources like lard or soybean oil.

Parallel to the animal research, the team analyzed data from 316 human participants. Their findings revealed that individuals who consumed low-medium fat, low-sugar dairy products, such as skimmed milk, cottage cheese, and low-fat cheese, had a lower risk of developing MASLD.

On the other hand, consistent consumption of high-fat dairy products was linked to a higher likelihood of new onset or persistence of MASLD. The study noted that neither low-medium nor high-fat dairy intake showed a significant relationship with liver fibrosis.

This study underscores the potential benefits of choosing lower-fat dairy options to reduce the risk of MASLD and highlights the need for further research to reinforce these findings across broader populations.