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Nutrition in liver disease.
Eduard Cabré1, Miquel A Gassull
1Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain. ecabre@ns.hugtip.scs.es
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|August 5, 2005
Summary
Nutritional management in liver disease shows progress, with studies indicating no energy imbalance in stable cirrhosis and benefits from branched-chain amino acid supplements. However, consensus on acute liver failure nutrition remains elusive.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Malnutrition is a significant concern in patients with liver disease.
- Understanding nutritional status is crucial for managing liver conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medical literature on malnutrition in liver disease from 2003-2005.
- To summarize current findings and ongoing debates in nutritional management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published between spring 2003 and spring 2005.
- Analysis of data on energy balance, body composition, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Stable cirrhosis patients may not exhibit energy imbalance.
- Weight gain post-portal-systemic shunting is linked to increased body and muscle mass.
- Branched-chain amino acid supplements show positive long-term effects in cirrhosis.
- Dietary fat absorption via the portal vein is possible in cirrhosis.
- Probiotics may reduce infection rates after liver transplantation.
Conclusions:
- Despite advancements, key issues in liver disease nutrition management remain unresolved.
- A notable lack of consensus exists regarding the nutritional management of acute liver failure.