Protein

[Guest guest]

Tatezi,

I noticed you said you are on a low protein diet.

Here is some info on protein.

Bob

> PROTEIN AND HEPATITIS C

Adequate protein intake is important to build and maintain muscle mass and

to assist in healing and repair. Protein intake must be adjusted to one's

body weight and medical condition. Approximately 1.0 to 1.5 gm. of protein

per kilogram of body weight is recommended in the diet each day for

regeneration of liver cells in non-cirrhotic patients.

In a small but significant number of individuals with cirrhosis, a

complication known as encephalopathy, or impaired mental status, may occur.

Affected individuals may show signs of disorientation and confusion. The

exact cause(s) of encephalopathy is not fully understood. While some experts

do not believe there is a link between dietary protein and encephalopathy,

others believe in substantially reducing or even eliminating animal protein

and adhering to a vegetarian diet, in order to help improve mental status.

Patients who are at risk for encephalopathy may be advised to eat no more

than .6 - .8 gm. of animal source protein per kilogram of body weight per

day. (Animal source proteins are meat, fish, eggs, poultry, and dairy

products. Each provides 7 gm. of actual protein per ounce of food.) There is

no limit on vegetable protein consumption. Maintaining adequate protein

intake and body weight should be considered a priority if vegetarian protein

substitutes are not utilized .

The table below gives recommended grams of animal source protein intake per

pound of body weight. (Note: The chart is intended to provide guidelines for

patients with hepatitis C. For specific recommendations, consult your

physician.)

Weight Recommended average protein intake for regeneration of liver cells in

non-cirrhotic patients Maximum recommended protein intake for patients at

risk for encephalopathy

100 lbs. 45-68 gm. (6 -9 oz. meat or equivalent) 27 gm.

130 lbs. 59-87 gm. (8 - 12 oz. meat or equiv.) 35 gm.

150 lbs. 68-103 gm. (9.7-14 oz. meat or equiv.) 40 gm.

170 lbs. 77-116 gm. (11 -16 oz. meat or equiv.) 46 gm.

200 lbs. 91-136 gm. (13 -19 oz. meat or equiv.) 54 gm.