# The Effect of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet on Liver Enzyme Level in Adults: A GRADE‐Assessed Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

## TL;DR

This study finds that the DASH diet can lower liver enzyme levels in adults, especially in specific subgroups like younger individuals and those with NAFLD.

## Contribution

A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs on the DASH diet's effect on liver enzymes.

## Key findings

- The DASH diet significantly reduced AST levels by −3.305 IU/L compared to other diets.
- Subgroup analyses showed significant reductions in ALT and AST in younger adults and those with NAFLD.
- The DASH diet's benefits were more pronounced in participants with higher baseline enzyme levels and lower BMI.

## Abstract

Several research studies have shown the beneficial impact of the DASH diet on liver enzyme levels. Nevertheless, the outcomes have been conflicting. Our goal is to offer a summary of the existing documents related to how the dash diet impacts liver enzymes in adults when compared to other dietary patterns. The variables of interest were liver enzymes (ALT, AST). Involved calculating the Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the effect size. This systematic review and meta‐analysis included 6 studies. Consuming the DASH diet led to a notable alteration in AST levels (mean difference (MD): −3.305 IU/L, 95% CI: −4.709, −1.901, p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis revealed that DASH diet consumption could significantly reduce ALT in patients below 44 years old, baseline serum ALT above 30 IU/L, BMI below 30 kg/m2, and patients with NAFLD. In addition, DASH diet consumption significantly reduces AST in patients below 44 years old, 8 weeks' duration of study, baseline serum AST above 28 IU/L, BMI below 30 kg/m2, and patients with NAFLD. Compared to other dietary patterns, the DASH diet could decrease ALT and AST in general or in subgroup analyses. Additional research is required to gain a better understanding of how the DASH diet affects liver enzymes in adults.

Trial Registration: PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42024588334

The effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on liver enzyme level in adults.