Which protein intake is recommended for patients with cirrhosis?

Which protein intake is recommended for patients with cirrhosis?

• A. 2.0-2.5 g/kg/day
• B. 0.6-0.8 g/kg/day
• C. 1.0-1.5 g/kg/day
• D. 0.5-0.7 g/kg/day

Answer: (C)

In cirrhosis, preserving lean body mass and overall nutritional status is essential, and protein should be provided adequately rather than restricted. The best-supported target is about 1.0–1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. This level helps maintain nitrogen balance and prevents sarcopenia, which are important for outcomes and can even aid ammonia handling when overall energy is sufficient. If malnutrition or muscle loss is present, clinicians may push toward the upper end of this range and consider protein sources that are well tolerated, such as branched-chain amino acids, especially if encephalopathy is a concern. Very low protein intakes (around 0.6–0.8 or 0.5–0.7 g/kg/day) are generally inadequate for adults with cirrhosis, while substantially higher intakes (2.0–2.5 g/kg/day) are not typically necessary and may not provide additional benefit. Pair with adequate energy intake and distribute protein across meals with a late-evening snack to optimize utilization.

In cirrhosis, preserving lean body mass and overall nutritional status is essential, and protein should be provided adequately rather than restricted. The best-supported target is about 1.0–1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. This level helps maintain nitrogen balance and prevents sarcopenia, which are important for outcomes and can even aid ammonia handling when overall energy is sufficient. If malnutrition or muscle loss is present, clinicians may push toward the upper end of this range and consider protein sources that are well tolerated, such as branched-chain amino acids, especially if encephalopathy is a concern. Very low protein intakes (around 0.6–0.8 or 0.5–0.7 g/kg/day) are generally inadequate for adults with cirrhosis, while substantially higher intakes (2.0–2.5 g/kg/day) are not typically necessary and may not provide additional benefit. Pair with adequate energy intake and distribute protein across meals with a late-evening snack to optimize utilization.