[Basics of nutrition in cirrhosis of the liver].

Liver cirrhosis is associated with complex metabolic disorders, and regularly leads to a catabolic state. Catabolism, malassimilation, but also loss of protein and, frequently, malnutrition, are the main reasons underlying reduced the nutritional status frequently encountered in these patients. This promotes such complications as ascites, diabetes mellitus, encephalopathy, infections and the hepatorenal syndrome. Dietary therapy individually tailored to the course of the disease provides the often increased energy requirement, while also serving to prevent and treat complications.