Author information
1
a Department of Health Sciences , University Magna Graecia , Catanzaro , Italy.
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b Section of Clinical Nutrition and Nutrigenomic, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention , University of Rome Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy.
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c Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood , Clemson University School of Health Research , Clemson , SC , USA.
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d Department of Surgery and Medical Science , University Magna Graecia , Catanzaro , Italy.
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. Insulin resistance and obesity-related inflammatory status, associated with genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, are involved in its pathogenesis. There is no consensus concerning the pharmacological treatment of NAFLD. However, the international guidelines agree to define a dietetic nutritional management to achieve weight loss, as an essential component of any therapeutic strategy. Areas covered: An overview on the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Expert commentary: On the basis of its components, the literature reports the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet in preventing major chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some forms of cancers. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has supported the idea that the Mediterranean diet, associated with physical activity and cognitive behavior therapy, may be the reference nutritional profile for the prevention and the treatment of NAFLD patients.