Metabolism of Nutrition in Liver Cirrhosis

It is very important to maintain proper nutrition in the case of cirrhosis of liver. Nutrition has long been recognized as a prognostic and therapeutic determinant in patients with chronic liver disease. This article is based on a selec¬tive literature review of metabolism of nutrients and nutrition in liver cirrhosis. In cirrhosis poor oral food intake is a predictor of an increased mortality. Patients with liver cirrhosis exhibit abnormal metabolism, including increased fat oxidation and decreased glucose oxidation. Calorie intake is essential but is often difficult to attain because of necessary protein and sodium restrictions. When the ascites and edema are severe, sodium intake may need to be restricted below 500 mg as they get lessen, sodium intake may be slowly liberalized up to 2500 mg if body weight does not increased. Nutritional requirements are very poor in liver cirrhosis due to the restriction of sodium and deficiencies of various nutrients or due to malnutrition.