High consumption of red meat appears to increase the incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but only in men, particularly at intake levels ranging from 75 to 90 g/day, reveals a recent study.
The findings, however, do not show a consistent trend between red meat consumption and the incidence of MASLD overall or when analysed by sex.
“Overall, red meat consumption did not exhibit a consistent dose–response trend with MASLD,” the investigators said. “Furthermore, preferences for specific types, cuts, and preparations of red meat were differentially associated with metabolic outcomes based on sex.”
Analyses were made using data from a cross-sectional study that involved a total of 1,192 participants (42.7 percent male), with complete data available from the second NUTRIHEP survey wave (2014‒2016). The investigators performed statistical analysis using adjusted dose‒response modelling.
Of the participants, 587 (49.2 percent) had MASLD, including 278 males (54.6 percent) and 309 females (45.2 percent). Red meat consumption between 75 and 90 g/day showed a suspicious dose‒response relationship with MASLD only in males. [Nutrients 2026;18:1002]
Notably, sex could influence such association, both in harmful (odds ratio [OR] >1) and protective (OR <1) ways. For instance, consumption of specific foods such as liver (OR, 0.936; p=0.087) and red meatballs (OR, 0.584; p=0.023) appeared to protect men from MASLD incidence.
On the other hand, consumption of roast red meat (OR, 2.152; p=0.097) was associated with the development of MASLD in women, whereas red cutlet (OR, 0.540; p=0.087) and red meat slices (OR, 0.952; p=0.076) appeared protective.
“Our findings indicate a significant gender-related differentiation in red meat consumption preferences, including both the specific types favoured and the preparation methods employed,” the investigators said. “These findings support the idea that dietary preferences may be influenced by sex.”
Liver diseases
Current evidence points to a positive association between red meat intake and the risk of chronic liver disease, including MASLD. However, the association between unprocessed red meat and health outcomes is less pronounced when compared with processed red meat. [Nutrients 2022;14:3533; Mol Nutr Food Res 2025;69:e70132]
“This may be attributed to the higher levels of saturated fatty acids and additional nonmeat ingredients that are usually added,” the investigators said.
A recent meta-analysis also found no clear association for unprocessed red meat, which is consistent with the findings of the current study. [J Glob Health 2024;14:04060]
Sex influence
“These findings support the notion that preferences for specific foods may be influenced by sex,” according to the investigators.
A 2023 study, for instance, reported significant sex-related differences in hormonal pathways, medical parameters, dietary preferences, and eating behaviours. One likely determinant of dietary preferences was sexual dimorphism in adiposity between men and women. [Physiol Behav 2023;259:114038]
“Sex hormones play a crucial role in regulating the accumulation and distribution of body fat, which in turn influences food choices,” the investigators said. “This regulation occurs through the expression of estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors in adipose tissue depots.” [Physiol Behav 2023;259:114038]