Introduction to Nutrition and Liver Disease

This course explores the impact of alcohol on nutrition, focusing on how chronic alcohol intake affects nutrient absorption, metabolism, and liver function. Participants will learn about the nutritional challenges associated with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and the risks of malnutrition and sarcopenia.

This course is ideal for nutritionists, healthcare professionals, and anyone working with individuals affected by alcohol consumption, liver disease, or malnutrition. It is also beneficial for those interested in understanding the relationship between alcohol and nutritional health.

Learning objectives

• Understand how alcohol intake impacts our nutrition
• Define the mechanisms by which alcohol affects nutrient absorption, metabolism, and liver function
• Identify key vitamins and minerals depleted by chronic alcohol use, such as thiamine, folate, magnesium, and zinc
• Recognise the nutritional challenges in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis

• Describe how liver fibrosis and cirrhosis impair digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients
• Recognise common complications, including appetite loss, malabsorption, and fluid imbalances (ascites)
• Recognise the risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia in relation to alcohol intake

• Identify how chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of malnutrition and muscle wasting (sarcopenia)
• Recognise the signs of sarcopenia, such as reduced strength, muscle mass, and physical function
• Apply first-line dietary principles for healthy eating and harm prevention

• Explain practical dietary strategies to support health in individuals who consume alcohol, such as regular protein intake, balanced meals, and hydration
• Provide simple, evidence-based advice to reduce harm and improve overall nutrition.

About the trainer

Bally Parekh is a dietitian who specialises in nutrition and exercise interventions for people with liver disease. His experience includes supporting those with hepatobiliary disease, oncology (cancer services), cardiology, and cardiothoracic care. Bally also supports individuals before and after surgery and treatment to help improve their outcomes.

Bally has experience working in a tertiary centre liver unit, supporting those with alcohol-related liver disease, and providing specialist nutrition advice for patients who are awaiting a liver transplant and those recovering post-liver transplant. He also has a specialist interest in the effects of alcohol on nutritional states, including its effect on absorption, weight loss, and muscle loss.