Liver disease can affect the absorption of food and the production of proteins and vitamins. Therefore, your diet may influence your weight, appetite, and the amounts of vitamins in your body. DO NOT limit protein too much, because it can result in a lack of certain amino acids.
Recommendations
The changes you will need to make will depend on how well your liver is working. Talk to your provider about the kind of diet that is best for you so that you get the right amount of nutrition.
General recommendations for people with severe liver disease include:
Eat large amounts of carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrates should be the major source of calories in this diet.
Eat a moderate intake of fat, as prescribed by the provider. The increased carbohydrates and fat help prevent protein breakdown in the liver.
Have about 1.2 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This means that a 154-pound (70-kilogram) man should eat 84 to 105 grams of protein per day. Look for non-meat protein sources such as beans, tofu, and dairy products when you can. Talk to your provider about your protein needs.
Take vitamin supplements, especially B-complex vitamins.
Many people with liver disease are deficient in vitamin D. Ask your provider if you should take vitamin D supplements.
Limit the amount of sodium you eat to 2000 milligrams per day or less to reduce fluid retention.
SAMPLE MENU
Breakfast
1 orange
Cooked oatmeal with milk and sugar
1 slice of whole-wheat toast
Strawberry jam
Coffee or tea
Mid-morning snack
4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 milliliters) of low-fat milk or piece of fruit
Lunch
4 ounces (110 grams) of cooked lean fish, poultry, or meat
A starch item (such as potatoes)
A cooked vegetable
Salad
2 slices of whole-grain bread
1 tablespoon (20 grams) of jelly
Fresh fruit
8 ounces of low-fat milk
Mid-afternoon snack
4 to 8 ounces of low-fat milk with graham crackers
Dinner
4 ounces (110 grams) of cooked lean fish, poultry, or meat
Starch item (such as potatoes)
A cooked vegetable
Salad
2 whole-grain rolls
Fresh fruit or dessert
8 ounces of low-fat milk
Evening snack
4 to 8 ounces of low-fat milk or piece of fruit
Most of the time, you do not have to avoid specific foods.
Talk to your provider if you have questions about your diet or symptoms.
References
Dasarathy S. Nutrition and the liver. In: Sanyal AJ, Boyer TD, Lindor KD, Terrault NA, eds. Zakim and Boyer's Hepatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 55.
European Association for Study of the Liver. EASL clinical practice guidelines on nutrition in chronic liver disease. J Hepatol. 2019:70(1):172-193. PMID: 30144956 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30144956/.
Högenauer C, Hammer HF. Maldigestion and malabsorption. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 104.
US Department of Veterans Affairs. Viral hepatitis and liver disease. Eating tips for people with cirrhosis. www.hepatitis.va.gov/cirrhosis/patient/diet.asp#top. Updated December 6, 2019. Accessed May 20, 2025.
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