Understanding liver disease and food access in children

Plain-English translation of NCT07090083 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

Researchers want to understand why fatty liver disease (a buildup of fat in the liver) is becoming more common in children, especially those from families struggling to afford healthy food. This study will compare children with fatty liver disease who live in food-secure households to those living in food-insecure households, and look at how access to nutritious food affects liver health and diet quality.

Doctors have noticed that fatty liver disease in children is linked to poverty and food insecurity in families. Since the recommended treatment focuses on eating healthier and being more active, researchers need to understand how food access affects a child's ability to follow this advice and how it impacts liver damage.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

your child is between 6 and 16 years old and receives care at a liver or nutrition clinic
your child has had elevated liver enzyme levels (ALT) on at least two tests in the past year, or one elevated test with confirmed fatty liver on imaging
your child's body mass index (BMI) is at or above the 85th percentile for their age and sex
your family lives in California and does not plan to move in the next year
you or your child's guardian speaks English or Spanish

You likely don't qualify if…

your child's weight gain is caused by a medical condition like thyroid disease or a genetic syndrome, or by certain medications
your child is taking or about to start weight loss medications
your child has another type of liver disease (such as hepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, or Wilson's disease)
your family is already enrolled in other diet or nutrition education programs outside of the clinic

What participation looks like

If you enroll, your family will be asked to share information about your household food access through surveys and discussions with the research team. Your child may have blood tests and imaging (ultrasound) to check their liver health — some of which may already be part of their regular clinic care. The study will collect information about your child's diet and your family's ability to access healthy food over time, but there is no new medication or intensive treatment required.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 9, 2026 · Not medical advice

Understanding liver disease and food access in children

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations