Patients with cirrhosis waiting for liver transplantation (LT) frequently present a nutritional disorder, which represents an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality before and after transplantation. Thus, a proper assessment of the food intake by using different methods, such as food records, food frequency questionnaires, and 24 h recall, should be deemed an important step of the nutritional management of these patients. The available published studies indicate that the daily food intake is inadequate in the majority of waitlisted patients. These findings were confirmed by our experience, showing that the daily intake of total calories, proteins and carbohydrates was inadequate in approximately 85–95% of patients, while that of lipids and simple carbohydrates was inadequate in almost 50% of them. These data highlight the need to implement an effective educational program provided by certified nutritionists or dieticians, who should work in close collaboration with the hepatologist to provide a nutritional intervention tailored to the individual patient requirements.

AIM:The aim of the study was to evaluate patients' adherence to the current nutritional recommendations adapted to the individual clinical status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 192 outpatients with cirrhosis were prospectively evaluated. 161 were considered at risk of impaired nutrition as they present at least one of the following factors: altered body mass index score, non-volitional body weight changes, ascites, peripheral edema, hepatic encephalopathy, or diabetes.Patients at risk were offered a nutritional assessment by a nutritionist, including a 3-days food diary and hand-grip strength (HGS) test. Only 78 patients returned the diaries properly filled in. RESULTS: The analysis of food diaries showed a low-level adherence to the nutritional recommendations: caloric intake was insufficient, in excess or adequate in 75%, 13% and 12% of cases, respectively. An appropriate consumption of carbohydrates, protein and fibers was found only in 10-15% of cases, while the intake of simple sugars, lipids, and water resulted adequate in up to 55%. The protein intake was more frequently insufficient in patients with more advanced disease. HGS test was altered in 49% of patients. 27 subjects (17%) refused the nutritional assessment: these patients presented a significantly less severe disease and a lower number of risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cirrhosis have inadequate nutritional intake and poor adherence to the recommendations provided during the normal path of care. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach with a nutritionist should be recommended, starting in the early stage of the disease when the awareness of patients regarding the importance of nutrition appears to be lower.