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), hepatic fibrosis scores (p=0.005), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) (p=0.015), and alanine aminotransferase (p=0.012), significantly more than the control diet. Although gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance reduced in both groups significantly (P< 0.05), the difference between groups was not significant. In MAFLD patients

In MAFLD patients, TRF (16/8) 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.