Nutritional Management of Liver Disease

The provision of adequate nutrition to the patient with liver disease is a challenge. The practitioner must avoid overwhelming the remaining metabolic capabilities of the damaged organ. The ability of the liver to regenerate and the patient to recover depends on the availability of sufficient nutrients. There is no default diet for the patient with liver disease. Each patient must be evaluated individually, with consideration given to the type and origin of the liver disease, the current extent of hepatic dysfunction, and the patient's previous dietary history. Efforts should be directed at the provision of an energy intake adequate to maintain body weight and a protein intake as close to normal as can be tolerated without precipitating signs of hepatic encephalopathy.