Nutritional Implications in Chronic Liver Diseases

Abstract

Chronic liver disease presents with great nutritional impact, since the liver is the organ responsible for several biochemical pathways related to the production, modification and use of nutrients, among other important metabolic substances. Changes in anthropometric, biochemical and clinical indicators, associated with inadequate food intake are common in chronic liver disease. Changes in water compartments-ascites and peripheral edema-related to hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition are also present in the decompensated disease. The provision of specific nutritional therapy (oral, enteral and/or parenteral) is capable of promoting improvements in some parameters of the liver function. It also helps the nutritional status of the chronic liver disease in its various stages, contributes to the improvement of the quality of life and reduces the rate of complications, as well as morbidity and mortality.