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Diet and Lifestyle Tips: What Helps Prevent or Reverse MASLD?

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 December 2025) | Viewed by 410

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
2. Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Interests: healthy aging; molecular nutrition; nutritional epidemiology

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Guest Editor
School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, China
Interests: population epidemiology and cohort studies (e.g., nutritional epidemiology, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the impact of dietary and lifestyle interventions on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is increasingly prevalent worldwide, linked to metabolic disorders like obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. By focusing on evidence-based dietary approaches, physical activity, and other lifestyle modifications, this Special Issue seeks to uncover practical and innovative strategies for preventing or reversing MASLD. We invite researchers to contribute original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that highlight effective interventions and mechanisms underlying MASLD improvement and prevention.

Dr. Liangkai Chen
Dr. Shunming Zhang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • MASLD
  • metabolic dysfunction
  • diet and liver health
  • lifestyle intervention
  • fatty liver disease
  • physical activity
  • liver metabolism
  • nutrition and health

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

20 pages, 948 KB  
Review
The Impact of the Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, and Nutrition Education on Pediatric Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A Review
by Melvin Bernardino, Claudio Tiribelli and Natalia Rosso
Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010028 (registering DOI) - 20 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now the most prevalent chronic liver disorder among children and adolescents, mirroring the rise in pediatric obesity. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and beneficial effects on different health outcomes across different [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now the most prevalent chronic liver disorder among children and adolescents, mirroring the rise in pediatric obesity. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and beneficial effects on different health outcomes across different life stages. The MD’s effect has been explored in adult MASLD, but there is limited information on the pediatric population. However, evidence on pediatric MASLD should be explored given its rising prevalence. Therefore, the aim of this review is to collect human studies assessing the effect of MD interventions on pediatric MASLD, focusing on key pathophysiological mechanisms. It also examines other interventions, including specific energy/macronutrient prescriptions, nutrition education or counseling, and physical activity components. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted using terms related to the Mediterranean diet, nutrition education, physical activity, pediatrics, and MASLD/NAFLD. Pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to collect eligible studies to be included in the review. Study quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Screening, data extraction, and appraisal were performed independently, with discrepancies resolved through discussion, and the findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: This review synthesizes findings from eight human studies evaluating the impact of the MD, alone or integrated with structured exercise and nutrition education, on pediatric MASLD. Interventions consistently demonstrated reductions in hepatic steatosis, liver stiffness, and fibrosis markers, alongside improvements in inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress defenses, and liver enzymes. The MD also enhanced lipid and glycemic profiles, lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol, and insulin resistance indices. Nutrition education and family-centered approaches improved adherence, while structured, enjoyable physical activity enhanced outcomes and long-term sustainability. Conclusions: Collectively, the MD, particularly when combined with exercise and tailored education, offers a safe, effective, and comprehensive lifestyle intervention for pediatric MASLD. Nonetheless, current evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneity in protocols, and short follow-ups. Larger, multicenter randomized trials with standardized designs are needed to establish best practices and long-term efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Lifestyle Tips: What Helps Prevent or Reverse MASLD?)
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