Consumption of legumes and risk of hepatobiliary diseases among humans aged 2+ years: a scoping review

ObjectivesTo identify and map the literature regarding human consumption of legumes and potential relationships with hepatobiliary diseases. BackgroundConsuming legumes might reduce lipid accumulation in the liver while potentially impeding the functionality of the bile duct and gallbladder. As dietary trends shift toward promoting legume consumption, exploring the positive and negative impacts on hepatobiliary health becomes crucial. MethodsThis scoping review explored the intake of dietary pulses and legumes (excluding broader dietary patterns) and their relation to hepatobiliary diseases like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gallbladder removal among individuals above the age of two years. The review included textbooks, expert opinions, and searches in four databases (PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Embase, and Web of Science). Two reviewers extracted data independently from each article. The synthesis of results was presented narratively by hepatobiliary outcomes. Unpublished studies and grey literature sources were sought out. ResultsFrom 19,881 records retrieved, 29 were included - 17 on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and 12 on gallbladder diseases. Most studies were observational, but a few were narrative reviews. Some studies found a protective association between legume consumption and non-alcoholic liver disease, while others found no association. Overall, there was no clear association between legume consumption and gallbladder diseases. The studies varied in methodological quality, and confidence in the findings was low. ConclusionThe association between legume consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was inverse or non-significant. The association between legume consumption and gallbladder disease was inconclusive. Further research is needed to draw firmer conclusions. Keywords: Dietary pulses; Gallstone; Hepatobiliary health; Legumes; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease