Cirrosis and Vitamin Deficiency

Introduction:

Cirrhosis is irreversible scarring of the liver related to chronic liver disease. The liver carries out several essential functions, including the detoxification of harmful substances in the body. It also purifies the blood and manufactures vital nutrients. Common causes of cirrhosis are hepatitis B or C infection, fatty liver disease and alcohol abuse. Cirrhosis is a progressive disease, developing slowly over many years, until eventually it can stop liver function (liver failure). Research shows that vitamin deficiency is present in many people suffering from cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis patients and vitamin deficiency:

Thiamine deficiency in cirrosis:

Lévy S, et al found that alcoholics as well as patients with cirrhosis had a high incidence of thiamine deficiency. Therefore thiamine was recommended by the authors to give a thiamine supplement to both alcoholic patients and those with cirrhosis related to any cause. (1)