Why is a late evening snack indicated in cirrhosis?

Why is a late evening snack indicated in cirrhosis?

• A. It provides essential vitamins only
• B. Cirrhotic patients have depleted glycogen stores and use more fat during prolonged fasting
• C. It prevents hyperglycemia
• D. It replaces all meals

Answer: (B)

In cirrhosis, energy management during overnight fasting shifts because the liver’s ability to store and release glucose is impaired. Glycogen stores are reduced, and the liver’s capacity for gluconeogenesis is diminished, so when the long fasting period occurs, the body relies more on fat for fuel and on muscle protein to supply glucose precursors. A late evening snack provides carbohydrate to supply glucose during the overnight fast, helping to keep blood sugar stable and spare lean body mass from breakdown. This directly addresses the problem of depleted glycogen and increased fat use during prolonged fasting, which is why it’s indicated in cirrhosis. The other ideas don’t fit the metabolic needs as well: vitamins alone don’t prevent hypoglycemia, preventing hyperglycemia isn’t the typical concern in this context, and a snack does not replace all meals.

In cirrhosis, energy management during overnight fasting shifts because the liver’s ability to store and release glucose is impaired. Glycogen stores are reduced, and the liver’s capacity for gluconeogenesis is diminished, so when the long fasting period occurs, the body relies more on fat for fuel and on muscle protein to supply glucose precursors. A late evening snack provides carbohydrate to supply glucose during the overnight fast, helping to keep blood sugar stable and spare lean body mass from breakdown. This directly addresses the problem of depleted glycogen and increased fat use during prolonged fasting, which is why it’s indicated in cirrhosis. The other ideas don’t fit the metabolic needs as well: vitamins alone don’t prevent hypoglycemia, preventing hyperglycemia isn’t the typical concern in this context, and a snack does not replace all meals.