The Burden of Changing Food Consumption Patterns in Modern Diets on American Livers

Modern dietary patterns in the United States have changed substantially over the last few decades, leading to significant increases in sugar and fat consumption. While public awareness of dietary health effects has improved, the majority of Americans still overindulge. As manufacturers work to optimize flavor, shelf life, and cost efficiency, the molecular composition of food ingredients has evolved. Fructose-to-glucose ratios in sugar-sweetened products have increased significantly, which may be cause for alarm because of their metabolic differences. Additionally, changes in types of fats and dietary fiber intake may further influence public health outcomes. The liver, essential for nutrient metabolism and detoxification faces increased strain as modern diets continue to push it to its metabolic limits. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver condition worldwide, is linked to excessive sugar and fat consumption, obesity, and other metabolic issues. Changes in the ratios of different types of sugars and fats consumed may further increase the prevalence of this condition. This study examines consumer intake of sugar, fat, and fiber, and how they affect liver composition. In this study, we examine data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The dietary data consists of two averaged 24-hour recalls, which describe patterns of sugar consumption, fat consumption, eating settings, and other dietary characteristics. The same dataset also contains additional demographic data on race, gender, and socioeconomic factors. Liver stiffness, an indication of NAFLD, is quantified using ultrasound transient elastography. The relationship between different dietary patterns and liver stiffness is examined using multivariate regression analysis. The results of the study show a significant positive relationship between liver stiffness and overall food and fat consumption. Sugar consumption variables did not show a significant effect on liver stiffness. Socioeconomic and control variables may also affect the analysis. By integrating molecular understanding with economic analysis, this study dives deep into the impact of changing dietary consumption patterns in the United States sugar market on liver health. These findings can better inform public health and economic policy concerning the sugar market and liver health.