Role of branched-chain amino acids in liver disease: the evidence for and against.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

There is ample evidence that patients with liver disease have an ongoing energy and protein catabolism. Nutritional management in these patients must receive high priority. The administration of branched-chain amino acids to patients with liver disease has been a controversial subject. This review is an update on the data available from various studies involving branched-chain amino acids supplementation in patients with chronic liver disease and associated complications.

RECENT FINDINGS:

This review summarizes the results of nutritional interventions involving branched-chain amino acids supplementation carried out in different centres around the world. It is interesting to note that no toxic effects of branched-chain amino acids supplementation have been reported in any of these trials.

SUMMARY:

Administration of branched-chain amino acids stimulates hepatic protein synthesis in patients with chronic liver disease and this could contribute significantly to improving their nutritional status, and result in a better quality of life. The beneficial role of branched-chain amino acids supplementation in patients with chronic hepatic encephalopathy has been clearly documented in some studies but the exact mechanism of action is still not clear.

• Authors: Sudeep Khanna, Sarath Gopalan
• Journal: Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care (Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care) Vol. 10 Issue 3 Pg. 297-303 (May 2007) ISSN: 1363-1950 [Print] England
• PMID: 17414498 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Amino Acids, Branched-Chain

Topics

• Amino Acids, Branched-Chain (administration & dosage, adverse effects, physiology)
• Dietary Supplements
• Humans
• Liver Diseases (complications, metabolism)
• Malnutrition (therapy)
• Nutritional Status
• Protein Biosynthesis (drug effects)
• Quality of Life