Vegetarian diets in hepatic encephalopathy: facts or fantasies?

Diet treatment characterized by a reduction in or a selection of food prote ins is currently suggested in hepatic encephalopathy This article is a revi ew of the present knowledge about the characteristics and the rationale of vegetarian diets in cirrhotic patients with overt or latent encephalopathy. In addition, evidence relating diet and encephalopathy. and the nutritiona l features and needs of cirrhotic patients is reported. Finally, the ration ale of a diet based on vegetable and milk-derived proteins that may overcom e the limits and the possible adverse effects of a strict vegetarian diet i s presented.