P763 - ASSOCIATION OF DIETARY PROTEIN COMPOSITION WITH FATTY LIVER DISEASE SEVERITY IN PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY

P763

ASSOCIATION OF DIETARY PROTEIN COMPOSITION WITH FATTY LIVER DISEASE SEVERITY IN PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY

C. Özyildirim^1,*, N. YABANCI AYHAN²

¹Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Akdeniz University, Antalya, ²Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye

Rationale: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) frequently coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. While protein quality has implications for metabolic health, its specific role in NAFLD severity remains unclear. This study investigates whether the amount and source of dietary protein are associated with NAFLD severity in people with T2DM.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 125 adults with T2D and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m². NAFLD severity was graded as Grade I, Grade 2, or Grade 3 based on liver ultrasonography. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and analyzed for energy-adjusted protein intake (total, plant, animal) and key amino acids (essential, aromatic, branched-chain). Differences across NAFLD grades were tested using ANOVA, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Additional parameters included BMI, waist circumference, HEI-2015 score, alcohol use, smoking, and physical activity. Ethical approval was obtained from Akdeniz University Clinical Research Ethics Committee.

Results: Total protein intake (g/kg/day) and the proportion of plant and animal proteins did not differ significantly across NAFLD severity grades. Likewise, intakes of essential, aromatic, and branched-chain amino acids were comparable. A non-significant trend was observed for higher total energy intake in the severe group (p=0.058). Waist circumference increased significantly with NAFLD severity (p<0.001), despite no significant difference in BMI (p=0.373), suggesting a stronger link between visceral adiposity and hepatic steatosis.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the composition of dietary protein—including source and amino acid profile—may not independently predict NAFLD severity in individuals with T2DM.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared