Association Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and NAFLD: A Cross‐Sectional Study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

<b>Background and Aim:</b> The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). <b>Methods:</b> Study data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the association between DII and NAFLD. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to investigate the non-linear association between DII and NAFLD. A total of 8708 people were included, with no age limit. <b>Results:</b> In fully adjusted multiple regression models, DII < 0 was associated with fewer incident NAFLD events compared with DII ≥ 0. In the RCS model, there was a positive nonlinear relationship between DII and NAFLD. In addition, the main positive association between DII and NAFLD was found in participants aged ≥60 years and who were white females. <b>Conclusions:</b> A proinflammatory diet is associated with the development of NAFLD, and we recommend improving diet to reduce the risk of developing liver disease, especially NAFLD.