MASLD & Calorie Intake: Mortality Risk in Men
- men with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) face a greater risk of death if their daily calorie intake is either too low or too high,according to research...
- adults, has been independently linked to increased mortality.
- The study analyzed data from nearly 2,500 adults with MASLD, using dietary recall to determine total energy intake.
Men wiht MASLD face a heightened mortality risk tied to both low and high calorie intake, according to a new study. The research reveals those consuming fewer than 2,000 calories daily have a 35% greater chance of overall death. Even more concerning, men with high calorie intake—over 3,000 daily—experience nearly double the risk of cancer-related mortality. This groundbreaking study, published in Scientific Reports, analyzed nearly 2,500 adults, uncovering striking sex-based differences; no link emerged between calorie intake and mortality risk for women with MASLD. News Directory 3 explores detailed findings, explaining how factors like energy distribution and hormone levels could contribute to these disparities. Discover the nuances of sex-specific nutritional needs in MASLD management, and what the researchers suggest will come next.
Calorie Intake Tied to Mortality Risk in Men With Liver Disease
Updated June 02,2025
men with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) face a greater risk of death if their daily calorie intake is either too low or too high,according to research published in Scientific reports. The study, though, found no such association in women with MASLD.
MASLD, a condition affecting about a third of U.S. adults, has been independently linked to increased mortality. Researchers sought to address the lack of nutritional guidance for managing MASLD long-term.
The study analyzed data from nearly 2,500 adults with MASLD, using dietary recall to determine total energy intake. Participants were divided into low, moderate, and high intake categories based on sex-specific calorie guidelines. Mortality data were tracked for over 22 years.
The findings revealed that men with low calorie intake (below 2000 kcal/day) had a 35% higher risk of all-cause death compared to those with moderate intake (2000 to 3000 kcal/day). Men consuming over 3000 kcal/day faced an even greater risk, at 54%.
Researchers observed that low and high energy intake were also associated with increased risks of cancer-related mortality in patients with MASLD, at 45% and 94%, respectively.
The study found no significant associations between calorie intake and cardiovascular or diabetes-related deaths.
Researchers suggest that sex-based differences in energy distribution and hormone levels may explain the varying results between men and women. They also noted that low calorie intake may promote sarcopenia and gut microbiome imbalances,while high calorie intake could accelerate liver disease.
“The potential risk of low total energy intake should be considered for inclusion in guidelines and recommendations for the management of male MASLD patients,” said the researchers.
What’s next
Further research is needed to refine nutritional guidelines for individuals with MASLD, particularly focusing on sex-specific recommendations and the long-term impact of calorie intake on disease progression.