Pathogenic aspects of fructose consumption in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): A narrative review.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly referred to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become a global health concern with a still increasing prevalence. One of the major contributing factors to its pathogenesis is overnutrition. In recent years, a discussion has been started that not only general overnutrition but also specific dietary patterns like the so-called 'Western diet' composed of foods rich in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sugar (especially fructose) but low in fiber and polyunsaturated fats, may contribute to the development of MASLD.