Branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation Cuts Risk of Liver Cirrhosis Complications

Research from St. Louis University indicates that Branched-Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) supplementation significantly reduces the risk of liver cirrhosis complications, including hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and falls. The study, which utilized a propensity score-matched multicenter retrospective cohort, found that patients receiving BCAA supplementation had lower rates of the composite outcome, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. The most pronounced benefits were observed in patients with viral hepatitis-associated and alcohol-associated cirrhosis.

Key Takeaways:

• BCAA supplementation is associated with a 19% reduction in the composite outcome (OR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.71-0.92) among patients with liver cirrhosis.
• Patients receiving BCAA supplementation had a 37% lower risk of hepatic encephalopathy (OR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49-0.79).
• BCAA supplementation resulted in a 23% reduction in the risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (OR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-0.99) among liver cirrhosis patients.
• Patients with viral hepatitis-associated cirrhosis experienced a 31% reduction in the risk of complications (OR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53-0.90) with BCAA supplementation.
• The study found no significant difference in sarcopenia rates between patients with and without BCAA supplementation (OR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.42-2.41).
• BCAA supplementation resulted in a 13% increase in the risk of liver transplantation (OR 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08-2.06).