Mechanistic studies and short-term randomised trials suggest that higher intakes of dietary  flavonoids may protect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (1-3). However, little  research has been conducted at a population level, and to date no long term prospective study has assessed the associations between flavonoid intakes and NAFLD risk (4). We aim to perform the  first population-based study with long-term follow-up on flavonoid consumption and NAFLD  incidence. In a prospective study, we assessed the associations between flavonoid intakes based on ≥2 24- hour dietary assessments and NAFLD risk among 121,563 adults aged 40 to 69 years by  multivariable regression analyses. Flavonoid intakes were assessed on three levels: a novel  flavodiet score (FDS), flavonoid rich foods, and flavonoid subclasses. Cox proportional hazard  models were used to assess NAFLD risk, and linear trend tests were used to test for significance.  Additional sensitivity analysis was conducted using both a FDS excluding red wine, and non  flavonoid containing equivalent foods as negative controls. Over 10 years of follow-up, 1090 cases of NAFLD were observed. When compared to the lowest  Quartile, the highest quartile (Q4) of the Flavodiet Score (FDS) was associated with a 20% lower  risk of NAFLD (HR (95%CI): 0.80 (0.66-0.96), P trend = 0.02). Additionally, higher apple intake was  associated with a 22% lower risk of NAFLD (HR (95%CI): 0.78 (0.66 - 0.92), P trend = <0.01), while  higher tea consumption was associated with a 13% lower risk of NAFLD (HR (95%CI): 0.87 (0.73 - 1.03), P trend = 0.046). Of the flavonoid subclasses, we observed that higher intakes of  proanthocyanidins, theaflavins and thearubigins, flavonols and flavan-3-ols were also associated  with lower risk. In a large UK cohort, we demonstrate for the first time that flavonoid-rich diets, containing  approximately 6-servings of flavonoid rich food per day, are associated with lower risk of NAFLD.  As such, the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods may reduce the risk of NAFLD and its sequalae  among middle-aged adults.

OC164 - Dietary flavonoid intakes are associated with lower risk of NAFLD: a UK biobank study

Unique to the new Congress (previously the Summer Conference) is that you will have greater opportunity to engage with more nutrition science than ever before. In 2024 the core programme will be delivered by the Irish Section of The Nutrition Society, supported by the Science Committee. The theme of these symposia will be ‘new data – focused approaches and challenges’. Outside of the core programme you will have the chance to hear the latest research from the Society’s partner organisations, universities, the private sector and more, on a diverse range of research.