Therapeutic Diets for Liver Cirrhosis: Formulation, Chemical and Biological Evaluation in Growing Rats

Two therapeutic diets have been formulated, prepared and chemically evaluated for children with liver cirrhosis. The formulation based on the presence of protein of high Fisher ratio, fat from two sources (coconut oil rich in medium chain triglycerides in addition of corn oil as source of essential fatty acids). Branched chain amino acids have been added to one formula. Both formulas contain edible source of antioxidants. Honey was added as sweetener. Total phenolics and flavonoids have been determined in figs (which is an ingredient of one of the therapeutic diets). The biological values of both formulas were assessed in normal rats through determination of their protein efficiency ratio, food efficiency ratio and body weight gain. Their effects on serum biochemical parameters were determined in rats. Sensory evaluation of the two formulas was also studied. Results showed that both formulas have high Fisher ratio fitting patients with liver cirrhosis. Protein efficiency ratio, food efficiency ratio and the effect on biochemical parameters of both formulas were more or less comparable to casein diet. Sensory test showed acceptability of both formulas.