Liver disease & Nutritional Management in Liver Disease, the liver has many functions, including metabolism, storage (such as fat soluble vitamins & minerals) and the breakdown of chemicals for example hormones and alcohol.
In Liver Disease these functions are compromised and therefore the liver is unable to work as effectively. For example it takes longer for the liver to detoxify substances such as alcohol.
Protein and energy malnutrition (PEM) is common in patients with chronic liver disease. The risk of malnutrition depends on the severity of the liver disease and not what causes it.
Decreased dietary intake can be caused by anorexia (lack of appetite) / nausea / vomiting.
Diarrhoea & Steatorrhoea (caused by fat malabsorption) can cause malnutrition as nutrition may not be absorbed.
Inappropriate dietary restrictions may also lead to PEM.
It is important to reduce the risk of malnutrition as this is an independent risk factor in a patient’s outcome.
PEM has been shown to be related to an increased infection rate, increased readmissions into hospitals and increased mortality. Therefore it is important to have appropriate nutrition with chronic liver disease.
Nutritional assessment is important to identify patients with / at risk of PEM.
How can an Eatatease Dietitian help?
An e-consultation would enable you to have a truly personal, comprehensive and confidential dietary assessment undertaken by a UK registered Dietitian.
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