Malnutrition is very common in patients with liver cirrhosis and includes especially protein-calorie malnutrition. The pathophysiological reasons vary and are caused by metabolic modifications and characteristics of enteral absorption and digestion cause by the cirrhosis. Malnutrition contributes to overall mortality and complication rate of the chronic liver disease. An adequate daily energy and protein supply should be ensured in patients with liver cirrhosis, which is higher than that in the normal population, because of higher amino-acid turnover. Ascites may benefit from daily low-salt fluid intake. Nutritional substitution of vitamins and trace elements is indicated when symptoms of deficiency occur.