TOPLINE: 

Red meat intake shows no overall association with risk for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but daily intake of 75-90 g is linked to higher risk in men.

METHODOLOGY:   

• In epidemiologic studies, higher red meat intake has been associated with increased MASLD risk; however, differences in MASLD risk by type and preparation of red meat remain unclear.
• Researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a population‑based survey in Southern Italy to examine the dose-response relationship between red meat intake and MASLD risk.
• Adult participants (aged ≥ 18 years ) completed the validated European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition food frequency questionnaire.
• Total red meat intake was calculated by summing daily consumption across 19 items, including various meat types, dishes, and preparation methods.
• MASLD was diagnosed via ultrasonography-detected hepatic steatosis.

TAKEAWAY:  

• Of 1192 participants (57.3% women), 49.2% had MASLD. Prevalence was higher in men than in women (54.6% vs 45.2%; P < .001).
• No significant dose-response relationship was observed between red meat intake and MASLD risk in the overall population or when stratified by sex across most intake ranges.
• Among men, intake of 75-90 g/d was associated with significantly increased odds of MASLD (odds ratio > 1); this was the only intake range showing a statistically significant association.
• Consumption of boiled red meat was associated with 28.9% lower odds of MASLD overall, whereas intake of meatballs made with red meat was associated with 41.6% lower odds in women (P < .05 for both).

IN PRACTICE:

“Our findings indicate a significant gender-related differentiation in red meat consumption preferences, including both the specific types favored and the preparation methods employed,” the authors wrote.

SOURCE:

The study was led by Davide Guido, National Institute of Gastroenterology “Saverio de Bellis,” IRCCS Hospital in Bari, Italy. It was published online in Nutrients.

LIMITATIONS:

The observational and cross-sectional study design prevented causal inference. Self-reported dietary data may introduce recall bias. Lack of physical activity data was an additional limitation, given its known influence on MASLD outcomes.

DISCLOSURES:

The study was funded by the Italian Ministry of Health with Ricerca Corrente 2025-2026. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.