Nutritional Intake after Liver Transplant: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Transplant Medicine
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors are common following liver transplant (LT).
• Dietary modifications are crucial for managing these risk factors in liver transplant recipients (LTR).
• Understanding the nutritional intake patterns of LTR is essential for improving long-term health outcomes.

Approach:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies published up to July 2021.
• The review synthesized data on the nutritional intake of LTR.
• Statistical analyses identified pooled mean intakes and sources of heterogeneity.

Key Points:

• Pooled daily intake: 1998 kcal, 17% protein, 49% carbohydrates, 34% total fat, 10% saturated fat, 20g fiber.
• Fruit and vegetable intake averaged 105–418 g/day.
• Early post-LT (first month) showed inadequate energy and protein intake; later intake was high in energy and fat, but low in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.

Conclusions:

• LTR often consume a high-energy, low-quality diet long-term, failing to meet CVD prevention guidelines.
• Factors like time post-LT, age, sex, and immunosuppression medication may influence nutritional intake, but results were inconclusive.
• There is a clear need for targeted nutritional guidance and interventions for LTR to mitigate CVD risk.