Objective: We sought to explore the characteristics of energy and substrate metabolism in cirrhotic patients, so as to provide data that could be used for optimal nutritional support.Methods: Seventy-seven patients with liver cirrhosis underwent measurements of midarm muscle circumference (MAMC) by anthropometry, grip strength by dynamometry,energy expenditure and substrates oxidation rates indirect calorimetry,serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) full automatic biochemical analyzer, prealbumin (PA) by ultraviolet spectrophotometer.Dietary intake of energy and three substrates were assessed and the latter was also calculated as the proportion of energy supplied by the substrates.Results: The protestation in patients with liver cirrhosis was significant, as evident by the MAMC, grip strength, body protein, fat-free mass, muscle mass,skeletal muscle mass after adjustment for the sex and body weight (P<0.05).The serum TP, ALB, PA in cirrhotic patients greatly reduced (P<0.05) with disease severity.27% patients were hypermetabolic.Fat oxidation rate was the highest and protein oxidation rate was the lowest in Child B.Carbohydrate oxidation rate was the lowest in Child C.However, they did not differ among Child-Pugh grades.The patients in Child B excreted less 24hr urine urea nitrogen (P<0.05).Dietary intake decreased after the liver cirrhosis development (P<0.05).The proportions of energy supplied by three major substrates were different from their oxidation rates in the patients.Conclusions: Poor nutrition status with protein depletion and metabolism disorder were common finding in patients with liver cirrhosis, mainly related to the inadequate dietary intake.They were different among Child-Pugh grades.The impaired metabolic activity and self-regulation should be considered and warrants further investigation.