Which statement about nutritional management for cirrhosis with a functioning gut is true?

Which statement about nutritional management for cirrhosis with a functioning gut is true?

• A. Branched chain amino acids are not indicated if oral intake is adequate
• B. Tube feeding is preferred over oral intake
• C. No nocturnal parenteral nutrition is recommended if the gut is functional
• D. No nutritional support is needed

Answer: (A)

In cirrhosis with a functioning gut, the goal is to meet energy and protein needs with regular dietary protein rather than routine supplements. Branched-chain amino acids are not routinely required when oral intake is adequate; they’re reserved for specific situations, such as hepatic encephalopathy or when standard protein intake cannot be tolerated, rather than being used simply because a patient is eating well. Tube feeding or nocturnal parenteral nutrition are considered only when oral intake cannot meet energy and protein requirements, not as default approaches for a patient who can eat. And insisting that no nutritional support is needed ignores the ongoing need to prevent malnutrition and sarcopenia in cirrhosis.

In cirrhosis with a functioning gut, the goal is to meet energy and protein needs with regular dietary protein rather than routine supplements. Branched-chain amino acids are not routinely required when oral intake is adequate; they’re reserved for specific situations, such as hepatic encephalopathy or when standard protein intake cannot be tolerated, rather than being used simply because a patient is eating well.

Tube feeding or nocturnal parenteral nutrition are considered only when oral intake cannot meet energy and protein requirements, not as default approaches for a patient who can eat. And insisting that no nutritional support is needed ignores the ongoing need to prevent malnutrition and sarcopenia in cirrhosis.