Changes in nutritional status after liver transplantation

Table 2 Mechanisms that cause a reduction in food intake in patients with cirrhosis

Reduced nutrient intake	Decreased appetite and anorexia	Unpalatable diet (sodium and water restriction for peripheral oedema and ascites, protein restriction for hepatic encephalopathy)
		Dysgeusia due to micronutrient deficiencies (zinc or magnesium)
		Anorexic effect caused by increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6) and leptin
	Nausea and early satiety	Tense ascites
		Gastroparesis
		Small bowel dysmotility
		Bacterial overgrowth
	Frequent compulsory starvation	Hospitalisation
		Invasive diagnostic procedures requiring fasting
		Gastrointestinal bleeding and endoscopic therapy

TNF: Tumor necrosis factor α; IL: Interleukin.