Protocol · Liver & Gallbladder
Portal Hypertension Supportive Care Protocol
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and Zinc are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Portal Hypertension Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) | Amount listed: 5–15 g daily in divided doses | Support muscle mass; may help with hepatic encephalopathy; liver patients often deficient | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 25–50 mg daily (monitor levels) | Deficiency common in cirrhosis; supports ammonia metabolism and immune function | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 20–50 billion CFU daily (multiple strains) | May reduce bacterial translocation and hepatic encephalopathy risk | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (monitor levels) | Deficiency very common in liver disease; supports bone and immune health | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 1–2 g EPA+DHA daily (with medical supervision) | May help with inflammation and liver function; caution with bleeding risk | Not graded yet | ||
| L-Carnitine | Amount listed: 1–2 g daily | May improve hepatic encephalopathy and fatigue in cirrhosis | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 400–800 IU daily (with medical supervision) | Antioxidant that may help with liver inflammation; studied in NAFLD | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin K | Amount listed: 10–20 mg daily if deficient (or as prescribed) | Liver disease impairs vitamin K metabolism; needed for clotting factors | Not graded yet | ||
Shop this protocol
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Portal Hypertension. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Portal hypertension is increased pressure in the portal vein system, which carries blood from the intestines to the liver. It's most commonly caused by cirrhosis (scarred liver), where blood can't flow easily through the liver. This backup pressure causes serious complications: varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus/stomach that can bleed), ascites (fluid in the abdomen), splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), and hepatic encephalopathy (brain fog from toxins the liver can't clear).
CRITICAL: Portal hypertension is a serious condition requiring comprehensive medical management. Treatment focuses on the underlying liver disease, preventing variceal bleeding (beta-blockers, endoscopic banding), managing ascites (diuretics, salt restriction, paracentesis), and treating/preventing hepatic encephalopathy (lactulose, rifaximin). Advanced cases may need TIPS procedure or liver transplant evaluation. These supplements support nutritional status and may help with complications, but they DO NOT replace medical treatment. Always coordinate with your hepatologist/GI specialist.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)* are often deficient in cirrhosis patients. Supplementation supports muscle mass and may help prevent/treat hepatic encephalopathy by altering ammonia metabolism.
Zinc* deficiency is very common in cirrhosis. Zinc is needed for ammonia detoxification, and supplementation may help with hepatic encephalopathy.
Probiotics* help maintain gut barrier function, reducing bacterial translocation and ammonia-producing bacteria - both important in preventing encephalopathy.
Vitamin D* deficiency is extremely common in liver disease. Supplementation supports bone health (osteoporosis is common) and immune function.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* may help with inflammation but use cautiously due to potential bleeding concerns.
L-Carnitine* may help with encephalopathy and fatigue.
Vitamin E* has antioxidant properties that may help with liver inflammation.
Vitamin K* may be needed as the liver produces clotting factors.
Expected timeline: Nutritional support is ongoing. Complications require active medical management. Transplant may be the ultimate treatment for advanced disease.