Cirrhosis is an advanced disease that causes permanent liver damage. It is usually caused by high levels of ammonia in the blood. Gut bacteria and diet can increase the levels of ammonia and increase the risk of advanced liver diseases and hepatic encephalopathy—a type of cognitive decline. But a recent study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center has revealed that having one meal without meat can lower levels of ammonia in people with cirrhosis.
This study was published in Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology and involved 30 people with cirrhosis. These people used to follow a Western non-vegetarian diet. Researchers wanted to know whether having one vegetarian or vegan meal could help lower levels of ammonia.
In this study, researchers divided these participants into three groups, each consisting of 10 individuals. One group ate a beef burger, another ate a vegan meat substitute, and the third ate a vegetarian bean burger. Each burger consisted an equal amount of protein as in a normal Western meal. These participants were also given water, low-fat potato chips, and buns.
Researchers then collected their blood and urine samples before and after they had their second meal. When they noticed these blood samples, they found that those who ate meat burgers had higher amino acids that increase ammonia production. These amino acids were also associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy. On the other hand, people who ate vegetarian burgers had lower ammonia levels.
One of the researchers says that eating a vegetarian meal instead of meat can improve liver health in people with cirrhosis. He also suggests that people start following these types of diets to reduce the risk of cirrhosis.
As the results show, having just one meal without meat can help lower levels of ammonia in people with cirrhosis; healthcare professionals should encourage people to follow this. This study will help people who are suffering from advanced liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. Even though these results are positive and helpful, there is a need for further research to understand its long-term effects.
Reference Link:
Bryan D. Badal et al, Substitution of One Meat-based meal with Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives Generates Lower Ammonia and Alters Metabolites in Cirrhosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology (2024).
