The Efficacy of Dash Combined With Time-Restricted Feeding (16/8) on Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial Publisher Pubmed



Nilghaz M¹ ; Sadeghi A² ; Koochakpoor G³ ; Poustchi H⁴ ; Khodadadi N¹ ; Narimani B¹ ; Ghods M¹ ; Shafiee M¹ ; Shahparvari MR¹ ; Hekmatdoost A^{1, 5} Show Affiliations
Source: Scientific Reports Published:2025

Abstract

Recent studies have utilized time-restricted feeding (16/8) (TRF) and dietary approaches to stop hypertension separately to manage metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD); however, the effectiveness of combining these two approaches has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of TRF in conjunction with a DASH diet on various factors related to MAFLD. A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the impact of TRF (16/8), along with a DASH diet, compared with a control diet based on standard meal distribution, in patients with MAFLD. An investigation was conducted to examine alterations in anthropometric indices, as well as liver parameters, serum metabolic indices, and an inflammatory marker. The TRF plus DASH diet reduced body mass index (p = 0.03), abdominal circumference (p = 0.005), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) (p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.039), and aspartate aminotransferase (0.047) compared to the control group. The levels of insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance reduced in both groups significantly (P < 0.05). In MAFLD patients, TRF (16/8) in combination with a DASH diet is superior to a low-calorie diet in promoting obesity indices, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Further long-term investigations are needed to draw definitive conclusions. © The Author(s) 2025.