Nutritional and dietetic profile of individuals with hepatitis C

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary intake and the nutritional status of individuals infected with Hepatitis C virus both with and without antiviral treatment. The individuals were consisted of data into three groups: The Control Group (G1): 26 healthy individuals, Group 2 (G2): 30 individuals infected with hepatitis C without antiviral treatment and Group 3 (G3): 26 individuals with hepatitis C receiving antiviral treatment. The anthropometric index showed that the weight average and % of body fat from G1 and G2, as well as (BMI), Body Mass Index, from G2 and G3 were higher. The AST and ALT values in serum were enhanced at G2 and G3, though this is not a significant difference, considering p < 0,05. The mean energy intake (Kcal/day) and of protein (g/kg/d) was adequate. The carbohydrate mean intake was above the recommended, and % lipids mean was adequate, however G2 had a higher intake of lipids and fibers than G3 being statistically different, yet the amount of fibers intake was below the recommended in all three groups. In conclusion to that, the nutritional status of the individuals with hepatitis C is of overweight with high percent of body fat. This diagnosis can be an important risk factor to cardiovascular diseases and other associated complications besides directly affect the individual quality of life.