Association between blood heavy metal levels and subtypes of steatotic liver disease: A nationally representative cross-sectional analysis in South Korea.

ABSTRACT: Most prior studies have investigated the association between heavy metals and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a single entity; however, there is limited evidence regarding subtype-specific associations with steatotic liver disease (SLD) as defined by the new criteria. Thus, this study investigates associations between blood levels of heavy metals and SLD subtypes using nationally representative data from South Korea. Data were obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2017, including adults aged 19 years and older. Blood levels of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), were examined. SLD, estimated using the hepatic steatosis index with alcohol consumption, was categorized into metabolic dysfunction-associated

SUBMITTER: Choi JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12851683 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature