Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

What should I eat if I have PSC?

Grilled fish and vegetables on a plate.Good nutrition is important in all stages of PSC.

People with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Good nutrition is important in all stages of PSC—including cirrhosis—to help the liver work properly and manage complications.

Your doctor can recommend a healthy diet that provides enough calories and nutrients. Your doctor may recommend taking dietary supplements of calcium and vitamin D to help prevent osteoporosis. For low levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, or K, your doctor may recommend taking supplements of these vitamins. Follow your doctor’s instructions on the type and amount of vitamins you should take.

What should I avoid eating if I have PSC?

You should avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, fish, meat, and unpasteurized milk. Bacteria or viruses from these foods may cause severe infections in people with liver disease.

Doctors may recommend that people with PSC stop drinking alcohol or, at least, limit their intake. People who have PSC and cirrhosis should completely stop drinking alcohol.

Last Reviewed February 2022
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This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.