Nutritional Requirements and Support in Liver Disease

The liver has a central role in energy metabolism, nutritional homeostasis and absorption of nutrients. Severe liver disease, whether acute or chronic, leads to multiorgan failure, which can have significant effects on growth and development in the long term. Malnutrition is common in infants and children with chronic liver disease (CLD). The pathophysiology of malnutrition in liver disease is complex and multifactorial and has extensive implications. Insufficient dietary intake is probably the most important factor and is correctable (Table 7.1). It is most severe in infants with chronic cholestatic liver disease, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition because of their high-energy and growth requirements [1].