May 2026
Nutritional Management of Liver Cirrhosis – A Clinical Case Study
Dietitian Shreyasree Dhang · Reviewed by Clinical Nutrition Team
What changed
- Reduced swelling and abdominal fluid accumulation
- Improved appetite and digestion
- Better liver function indicators
- Increased strength and stamina
Patient Profile
- Name
- Amit Rajak
- Age / Gender
- 48 years / Male
- Diagnosis
- Alcohol-related liver cirrhosis with ascites and mild hypertension
Medical Background
Amit Rajak, a 48-year-old male, was diagnosed with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis with ascites and mild hypertension. He reported fatigue, abdominal bloating, swelling in feet, poor appetite, nausea, disturbed sleep, and gradual weight loss due to prolonged alcohol consumption and muscle loss.
Key Challenges
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abdominal bloating and ascites
- Swelling in feet
- Poor appetite and nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- Gradual weight loss and muscle loss
He consulted Dytoclick for structured therapeutic nutrition support.
- Blood Pressure
- 140/90 mmHg (Elevated)
Clinical Data
Liver Function Tests
| Parameter | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bilirubin | 3.2 mg/dL | Elevated |
| SGOT (AST) | 85 U/L | Elevated |
| SGPT (ALT) | 70 U/L | Elevated |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | 180 U/L | Elevated |
| Serum Albumin | 2.8 g/dL | Low |
| INR | 1.8 | Elevated |
Metabolic Parameters
| Parameter | Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 130 mEq/L | Low |
| Creatinine | 1.1 mg/dL | Normal |
Progress After 8 Weeks
| Parameter | After 8 Weeks | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bilirubin | 1.5 mg/dL | Improved |
| SGOT (AST) | 45 U/L | Improved |
| SGPT (ALT) | 38 U/L | Near Normal |
| Serum Albumin | 3.6 g/dL | Normal |
| Sodium | 136 mEq/L | Normal |
| INR | 1.3 | Improved |
| Weight | 61 kg | Improved |
| Blood Pressure | 125/82 mmHg | Controlled |
Nutritional Assessment
- Energy requirement: 1700–1900 kcal/day
- Protein requirement: 58–70 g/day
- Sodium and fluid restriction advised
- Increased need for B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium
Diet Protocol
- Low-sodium and fluid-controlled diet
- Small frequent meals
- Balanced protein intake throughout the day
- Bedtime carbohydrate snack
- Nutrient-dense and easy-to-digest foods
- Complete alcohol restriction
Dietary Objectives
Control ascites and swelling
Implement sodium and fluid restriction to reduce abdominal fluid accumulation and peripheral edema.
Improve liver function
Provide targeted micronutrients and a balanced diet to support hepatic repair and reduce liver enzyme levels.
Prevent muscle loss
Ensure adequate protein distribution across meals to preserve lean muscle mass and prevent sarcopenia.
Improve digestion and energy levels
Use small, frequent, easy-to-digest meals to enhance absorption and restore daily energy and stamina.
Nutrition Intervention
Nutrition Intervention
Designed a low-sodium, fluid-controlled diet with small frequent meals, balanced protein intake, bedtime carbohydrate snack, and nutrient-dense easy-to-digest foods. Complete alcohol restriction was enforced.
Regular Monitoring
Scheduled follow-ups every 2 weeks with continuous monitoring of weight, edema, and abdominal girth.
Diet Modifications
Adjusted dietary plan based on evolving symptoms, lab reports, and clinical progress throughout the recovery period.
Lifestyle and Dietary Counseling
Provided ongoing education on safe food choices, meal preparation, hydration management, and alcohol abstinence.
How Dytoclick Helped
- Personalized Plans
- Structured and individualized diet plans
- Meal Tracking
- Easy follow-up and progress management
- Reminders
- Meal and hydration reminders
- Communication
- Improved dietitian–client interaction
- Adherence
- Better motivation and recovery compliance
Clinical Outcomes
- Reduced swelling and abdominal fluid accumulation
- Improved appetite and digestion
- Better liver function indicators
- Increased strength and stamina
- Weight gain from 58 kg to 61 kg
- Improved daily activity and energy levels
Final Thoughts
This case highlights the importance of personalized nutrition therapy in liver cirrhosis management. With structured diet planning, regular monitoring, and continuous support from Dytoclick, the patient showed significant improvement in liver function, nutritional status, and overall quality of life.