Evaluation of a High Protein Plant Dominant Diet (HiProPlaDo) in Liver Cirrhosis

Launched by AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS · Jun 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a high-protein diet made mostly from plant-based foods compares to the usual diet for people with liver cirrhosis, which typically includes protein from low-fat animal sources. The researchers want to see if the plant-based diet can help improve liver health, muscle strength, nutrition, and overall quality of life. They will also look at how the diet affects the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can be important for health. The study will last six months and involve regular check-ups, questionnaires about diet and daily activities, and tests like blood samples, body scans, and muscle strength measurements.

Adults with advanced liver cirrhosis who are waiting for a kidney transplant and have not had previous dietary advice may be eligible to join. People with certain mental health conditions, those already following a vegetarian diet, or those with a specific kidney-liver condition needing low protein are not eligible. Participants can expect to follow one of the two diets and take part in regular assessments to track their liver function, muscle mass, and overall wellbeing. This study aims to find out if plant-based proteins can offer benefits similar to or better than animal proteins for people with liver cirrhosis.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult patients with decompensated cirrhosis awaiting kidney transplantation who have not previously received dietary advice.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Psychopathological illness
• • Adoption of a vegetarian diet prior to study entry
• • Hepatonephrotic syndrome requiring protein restriction