The Impact of a Dietary Fiber Enriched Diet on the Outcome of Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
This study aims to understand how a diet rich in fibre can help people living with liver scarring (cirrhosis). We know that cirrhosis can lead to gut problems and inflammation throughout the body. We want to see if increasing fibre intake, or using a special fibre-like supplement called propionate, can make a difference. Researchers will observe how these dietary changes affect gut bacteria, overall inflammation, and general well-being in patients. Malnutrition is common in cirrhosis, making it hard to get enough fibre from food alone. So, the study will provide dietary advice and a propionate supplement to help reach daily fibre goals. The goal is to improve health and reduce complications for people with cirrhosis.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you have liver scarring, known as cirrhosis, your body finds it harder to remove toxins and digest food properly. This can lead to problems with the 'friendly' bacteria in your gut, and cause inflammation throughout your body. This inflammation can sometimes lead to serious complications and make you feel very unwell.
Normally, when healthy people eat fibre, their gut bacteria break it down into helpful substances called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), like propionate. These SCFAs are really important for keeping your gut lining strong and healthy, and they also help to reduce inflammation. However, in people with cirrhosis, there are often fewer of these friendly gut bacteria and not enough SCFAs, which can allow harmful substances to ‘leak’ from the gut into the bloodstream, making inflammation worse.
This study explores whether increasing fibre in your diet, and using a supplement called propionate (which acts like fibre), can help to fix these gut problems and reduce inflammation. Researchers want to see if this approach can improve your strength (reducing frailty and muscle loss), balance your gut bacteria, boost your overall quality of life, and reduce liver-related complications.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates if more fibre (or a fibre substitute) can help people with liver cirrhosis.
- It aims to improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications.
- Participants will get dietary advice and a special supplement called propionate.
- The study lasts for two months, with regular health checks.
- It focuses on improving health and quality of life for those with cirrhosis.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult who has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension (a specific type of high blood pressure in the liver). You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.
There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've already had a specific procedure called a 'TIPS' (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt), or if you're receiving treatment that strongly weakens your immune system. You also wouldn't be able to participate if you have cancer or if you are under 18 years old.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an adult (18 or over)?
- Have you been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis?
- Do you have high blood pressure in your liver (portal hypertension)?
- Have you NOT had a TIPS procedure (a specific liver operation)?
- Are you NOT currently receiving strong immune-suppressing treatments?
- Do you NOT have a cancer diagnosis?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll receive personalised advice on your diet. You'll be asked to try and eat more fibre, and because it can be hard for people with cirrhosis to get enough fibre from food alone, you'll also receive a special supplement called propionate. This propionate acts like fibre in your body. The dietary changes and supplement will last for two months. During this time, researchers will check your health regularly to see how your gut bacteria, inflammation levels, and general well-being are changing. The study will involve initial assessments, regular check-ups during the two months, and a final assessment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Hannover Medical School (MHH)Verified postcodeHanover, Germany
Common questions
What is liver cirrhosis?
Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition where your liver is permanently scarred and damaged. This stops it from working properly.
What is 'dietary intervention'?
Dietary intervention just means making changes to your diet, like eating more of certain foods or taking supplements, to see how it affects your health.
Why is fibre important for my gut?
Fibre helps feed the good bacteria in your gut, which then produce helpful substances that keep your gut lining healthy and reduce inflammation.
What is propionate?
Propionate is a natural substance your body makes from fibre. In this study, it's given as a supplement to act like fibre and support your gut health.
Will I have to change my whole diet?
You'll receive dietary counselling and be encouraged to increase your fibre intake. The study is particularly focused on adding fibre and the propionate supplement.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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