Abstract

Author(s): Ued, F. V.1; Cruz, F. C. S.2; Luz, S. A. B.2; Portari, G. V.2; Maluf, Ã?. R. L.3; Weffort, V. R. S.3

Objective: To compare dietary intake and serum levels of antioxidant vitamins among obese children and adolescents with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study composed by 37 obese children and adolescents from the first visit in a Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The subjects were divided into two groups after ultrasound examination, with a group of obese children with steatosis, and another for obese children without the disease. The groups were compared regarding anthropometric, biochemical and food consumption parameters. There was also the risk of certain changes in these parameters mean greater chance for development of hepatic steatosis.

Results: The group of obese patients with steatosis had lower dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and reduced serum levels of beta-carotene and alpha tocopherol compared to the obese group without steatosis, however, there was no statistical difference between the groups. Only serum ascorbic acid levels were significantly reduced in the group with steatosis (0.94 mg / dL ± 0.21) compared to those without the disease (1.28 mg / dL ± 0.34). Thus, biochemical and dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins changes were not significantly associated with risk of developing the disease.

Conclusion: Feeding habits of obese children with and without steatosis show a deficient intake of antioxidant vitamins, combined with reductions in serum levels. These changes can’t yet be considered risk factors for developing the disease, but suggest greater nutritional care to prevent the progression of simple steatosis to steatohepatitis hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. The lifestyle intervention is needed, and new studies to a correct diet therapy planning.