Association between dietary phytochemical index and pancreatic steatosis in patients with common bile duct stones

Summary

This case-control study of 278 patients with common bile duct stones (89 with pancreatic steatosis, 189 without) examined the association between dietary phytochemical intake and pancreatic steatosis risk using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Higher dietary phytochemical index was strongly and inversely associated with pancreatic steatosis odds; participants in the highest phytochemical intake tertile had 77% lower odds of pancreatic steatosis after full adjustment for confounders (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.11–0.51). The authors note that prospective studies are needed to establish temporal relationships and confirm causality.

Regional applicability

This Iranian clinical study in a tertiary hospital setting provides evidence on phytochemical-rich dietary patterns in a Middle Eastern population. Applicability to United Kingdom practice would depend on whether similar dietary patterns and disease prevalence exist; the findings on phytochemical foods are broadly relevant to UK nutritional guidance, though the specific patient population (biliary stone disease) and study context are regionally specific.

Key measures

Dietary phytochemical index (DPI) calculated as percentage of total daily energy from phytochemical-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, soy products, seeds, olive oil); odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals for pancreatic steatosis; stratified by DPI tertiles (< 15.7%, 15.7–< 30.6%, ≥ 30.6%)

Outcomes reported

The study measured the association between dietary phytochemical index (percentage of energy from phytochemical-rich foods) and odds of pancreatic steatosis in patients with common bile duct stones. Logistic regression models assessed pancreatic steatosis risk across tertiles of dietary phytochemical intake.

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