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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2014; 20(45): 16831-16840
Published online Dec 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i45.16831
Alimentary regimen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Mediterranean diet
Ludovico Abenavoli, Natasa Milic, Valentina Peta, Francesco Alfieri, Antonino De Lorenzo, Stefano Bellentani
Ludovico Abenavoli, Valentina Peta, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Campus Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Natasa Milic, Department of Pharmacy, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Francesco Alfieri, University MEIER, 20124 Baranzate (MI), Italy
Antonino De Lorenzo, Division of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Stefano Bellentani, Azienda USL di Modena, Consultant for Primary Care Gastroenterology, “Ramazzini” Hospital, 42100 Carpi (Modena), Italy
Author contributions: Abenavoli L designed the paper, performed research of literature data and wrote the paper; Milic N and Alfieri F performed research of literature data and critically revised the paper; Peta V help to wrote the paper; De Lorenzo A and Bellentani S analysed data and drafted the article.
Correspondence to: Ludovico Abenavoli, MD, PhD, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Campus Germaneto, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy. l.abenavoli@unicz.it
Telephone: +39-961-3694387 Fax: +39-961-754220
Received: March 18, 2014
Revised: July 20, 2014
Accepted: September 12, 2014
Published online: December 7, 2014
Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. The mechanisms of the underlying disease development and progression are awaiting clarification. Insulin resistance and obesity-related inflammation status, among other possible genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, are thought to play the key role. There is no consensus concerning the pharmacological treatment. However, the dietary nutritional management to achieve weight loss is an essential component of any treatment strategy. On the basis of its components, the literature reports on the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in reducing cardiovascular risk and in preventing major chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. New evidence supports the idea that the Mediterranean diet, associated with physical activity and cognitive behaviour therapy, may have an important role in the prevention and the treatment of NAFLD.

Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, Insulin resistance, Nutrition, Mediterranean diet

Core tip: The Mediterranean diet, a dietary pattern typical of the Mediterranean area is a very healthy dietary regimen. Several studies have shown that the people with high adherence to this diet secure a longer life expectancy and a lower risk of suffering from certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and cancer. The beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have recently been investigated.