Comparison of Effectiveness Between Protein and BCAA in Late Evening Snack on Vietnamese Liver Cirrhotic Outpatients: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background and Aims

Late-evening snacks can help patients with liver cirrhosis, but there is no clear agreement on what these snacks should contain. This study compared two types of snacks: one high in protein and the other containing branched-chain amino acids (BCAA).

Methods

In this study, 32 Vietnamese patients with liver cirrhosis participated. They were divided into two groups: one received a protein snack, and the other received a BCAA snack. Each snack provided about 270-300 calories, with specific amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The researchers measured various health indicators before and after three weeks of eating these snacks.

Results

After three weeks, the protein group showed significant improvements:

Albumin levels increased (important for liver function).
ALT liver enzyme levels decreased.
Handgrip strength improved from 24.3 kg to 25.7 kg.
Quality of life scores increased from 6.0 to 6.7.

In contrast, the BCAA group did not show significant changes in these areas.

Conclusions

Protein snacks are beneficial for improving health markers in liver cirrhosis patients. BCAA snacks may not be necessary and could be less cost-effective.

Opportunities for Clinics and Patients

Based on the trial data, clinics can:

Focus on providing protein-rich snacks for liver cirrhosis patients.
Set measurable goals for improving albumin levels and overall health.

AI Tools for Clinical Needs

Consider using AI solutions to:

Track patient progress.
Analyze dietary impacts on health outcomes.

Implementation Steps

Start with a pilot project to test the effectiveness of protein snacks. Use AI tools to monitor results and adjust strategies based on real-world impacts.