Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic cholestatic autoimmune liver disease with a progressive course that can lead to liver cirrhosis. There are few studies on dietary management in primary biliary cirrhosis and most of them have focused on micronutrients specifically vitamin D intake to prevent osteoporosis, and lipid control to prevent hyperlipidemia, but few recommendations have been made regarding a complete dietary approach. Fiber has been proven to increase the excretion of nitrogen products and consequently reduce its blood levels, and an adequate protein intake (1- 1.5 g per kg) has shown to decrease endogenous catabolism in cirrhotic patients.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a high-protein, high-fiber diet in the nutritional status of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Controls

Diagnose of primary biliary cirrhosis:

• Biochemical evidence of cholestasis: based mainly on alkaline phosphatase elevation
• Presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA)
• Histologic evidence of nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis and destruction of interlobular bile ducts.

Ambulatory patients

• Cases

Diagnose of primary biliary cirrhosis:

• Biochemical evidence of cholestasis: based mainly on alkaline phosphatase elevation
• Presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA)
• Histologic evidence of nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis and destruction of interlobular bile ducts.

Diagnose of liver cirrhosis by two or more of the following criteria:

• Albumin < 3.4 g/dL
• INR ≥ 1.3
• Total bilirubin ≥ 2 mg/dL
• Portal hypertension (esophageal varices, splenomegaly, ascites, etc.)
• Liver biopsy Ambulatory patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Overlapping syndrome with predominant autoimmune hepatitis
• Hospitalized patients
• Acute or chronic renal failure
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Pregnancy
• Neuropsychiatric disorders (Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dementia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder)