Effects of diet interventions on gut microbiota of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The occurrence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is correlated with genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. The gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis and development of NAFLD. The modification of gut microbiota has been proposed as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of NAFLD. The diet and the composition are able to have direct and long-term impact on the gut microbiota composition and function. Any modulation of the diet, such as low-fat diet, increasing unsatuated fatty acids and incorporating a larger proportion of non-digestible carbohydrates into the diet may be effective modulating the gut microbiota and have therapeutic effects on NAFLD. But there are some controversies about the effects of diet high in protein. Key words: Gut microbiota; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Diet intervention