Table 3

Results from logistic regression analyses that evaluated the role of liver enzymes on the presence of the metabolic syndrome, by the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Away from the Mediterranean diet (n = 1013)

Odds ratio

95% confidence interval

AST/ALT ratio (per 0.1 unit)

0.89

0.80–1.00

AST (per 1 IU/L)

0.93

0.88–0.99

ALT (per 1 IU/L)

1.01

0.95–1.07

γ-GT (per 1 IU/L)

0.99

0.95–1.03

Moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (n = 1015)

AST/ALT ratio (per 0.1 unit)

0.90

0.78–1.01

AST (per 1 IU/L)

0.96

0.90–1.03

ALT (per 1 IU/L)

0.99

0.92–1.07

γ-GT (per 1 IU/L)

1.02

0.96–1.07

Close to the Mediterranean diet (n = 1014)

AST/ALT ratio (per 0.1 unit)

0.93

0.76–1.13

AST (per 1 IU/L)

0.93

0.76–1.15

ALT (per 1 IU/L)

1.01

0.83–1.22

γ-GT (per 1 IU/L)

1.19

0.99–1.33

All models were also adjusted for age, gender, physical activity status, smoking and body mass index of the participants.

Tzima et al. Nutrition & Metabolism 2009 6:30   doi:10.1186/1743-7075-6-30