Revolutionizing Liver Health: The Role of Nutrition in Managing Liver Disease

Matthew Kappus, MD, an associate professor of medicine and a transplant hepatologist at Duke University, in Durham, N.C., aims to enhance nutritional wellness in patients with liver disease and advanced cirrhosis, seeking to significantly reduce the risk of severe organ damage.

This vision was shared at the 2024 ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference, where Dr. Kappus, along with fellow speakers Elisabeth Morgan and Anne Marie Rivard, discussed how nutritional support can improve outcomes for patients with complex liver disease.

Understanding Liver Disease and Nutrition

Patients often arrive at Dr. Kappus’s clinic feeling ‘mortified’ about their liver disease. He emphasized that those diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction–associated liver disease (MASLD) face a higher morbidity risk from cardiovascular diseases than from advanced liver disease itself. “We need to address metabolic risk factors to modify disease progression,” he stated.

His approach includes teaching patients the benefits of weight loss and the specifics of calorie reduction, often providing individual nutrition prescriptions to help guide them. He emphasized, “A reduction of just 250 to 500 kcal per day can lead to significant health improvements.” Research supports this, showing that effective weight loss can enhance liver function and overall health.

The Importance of Nutrient Balance

Elisabeth Morgan, MS, RD, discussed the crucial role of micro- and macronutrients in managing liver conditions. She noted that nutritional deficiencies can arise from altered metabolism in patients with liver disease. “As liver functionality decreases, patients may become fasting intolerant, leading to difficulties in energy utilization,” she explained.

Dr. Kappus reinforced the idea of focusing on healthy dietary fats while reducing saturated fats, which can contribute to inflammation. He encouraged his patients to eat a variety of colorful vegetables daily to ensure nutrient diversity.

Addressing Specific Conditions

Anne Marie Rivard, MPH, RD, focused on the management of Wilson’s disease, a genetic condition that leads to copper overload in the body. She pleaded for a balanced approach that combines dietary education and medication. “Patients often swing too far in avoiding copper-rich foods, which can hinder their nutritional intake. We need to teach them how to balance their diet without compromising their health,” she remarked.

This integrated approach to dietary management highlights the increasing recognition of nutrition’s vital role in not only managing liver diseases but also enhancing overall well-being. As patients become empowered with knowledge, they can reduce their risks and optimize their health outcomes.

Conclusion

Investing in nutritional education and tailored dietary strategies can profoundly impact patients with liver diseases, emphasizing that health is indeed wealth.