Study Links Dietary Antioxidants to Lower NAFLD Risk and Mortality

A study published in the April 2025 issue of the International Journal of Endocrinology analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2001 to 2018 to investigate the association between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

The study included 19,404 participants with an average age of 50.1 years. Researchers applied multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between CDAI quartiles and NAFLD prevalence, finding a significant inverse linear dose-response association. Individuals in the highest CDAI quartile had a 15% lower likelihood of having NAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile.

Further Cox regression analysis revealed that among NAFLD patients, those in the highest CDAI quartile exhibited a 39% reduced risk of cancer mortality. Additionally, nonlinear associations were observed between CDAI levels and all-cause mortality within the NAFLD population. These associations remained robust through stratified and sensitivity analyses, reinforcing the potential protective role of dietary antioxidants.

This research highlights the potential of dietary antioxidant intake as a modifiable factor influencing both the risk and prognosis of NAFLD, a prevalent condition with growing clinical and economic impact in the U.S. The findings suggest that integrating CDAI considerations into dietary recommendations could contribute to reducing the burden of liver-related mortality and overall health complications linked to NAFLD.

From an insurance perspective, these insights may influence preventative health strategies and risk stratification models for populations vulnerable to metabolic liver diseases, impacting underwriting and management of related health policies. Incorporating dietary-focused interventions could align with value-based care initiatives aimed at reducing long-term morbidity and healthcare costs associated with chronic liver conditions.

The study underscores the importance of nutrition-based metrics in chronic disease management and supports further investigation into dietary antioxidants as part of comprehensive risk assessment frameworks. Continued research and integration with clinical practice guidelines could enhance patient outcomes and optimize healthcare resource utilization.