The importance of general nutrition in chronic liver disease is well established. The role of this review is to identify and summarise recent developments in the associations between specific micronutrients and chronic liver disease; and whether there is data to support therapeutic interventions.
Recent Findings
There is a significant association between micronutrient deficiencies and chronic liver disease. Rates of deficiency in vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and vitamin A have been noted to be as high as 85–95% in patients with decompensated liver disease. A correlation exists between severity of the micronutrient deficiency and the severity of the liver disease as well as risk of liver-related complications and mortality.
Summary
Micronutrient deficiencies have a strong correlation with chronic liver disease and liver outcomes; however, it remains unclear whether the exact mechanism of this relationship and further high-quality research is required to better assess this and identify whether widespread intervention in micronutrient deficiencies influences disease outcomes.