Abstract： Objective To compare the different effects of enteral nutrition vs parenteral nutrition formula containing either MCT/LCT or LCT only on protein metabolism of liver transplantation (LTP) patients and investigate the mechanism of MCT/LCT improving nutritional status of LTP patients.Methods A random controlled clinical trail containing 86 cases of liver transplantation was conducted and 4 groups were set up: group F (n=22): enteral feeding on Fresubin 750 MCT containing MCT/LCT as fat source; group N (n=22):enteral feeding on Nutrison containing only LCT as fat source; group K (n=22):parenteral nutrition with Kabiven (all in one) by central vein (The intake was isonitrogenic, isocalorie and isolipidic in the above 3 groups) group C (n=20): without performing formal nutritional support.The several parameters were observed one day before and 1, 4, 7 and 10 days after LTP, including serum concentrations of transferrin and prealbumin.Nitrogen in urine per day and excretion of 3-methylhistidine in urine on the day 1, 7 and 10 after LTP were determined.Nitrogen balance was measured daily.Results Blood concentrations of transferring and prealbumin were significantly increased in groups F and N as compared with those in groups K and C (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ).The above two parameters were markedly higher in group F than in group N as same as group K vs group C (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ).Excretion of nitrogen and 3-methylhistidine in urine was also markedly reduced in group F as comparedwith group N (P<0.05 or P<0.01) Nitrogen balance was better in group F than that in groups Nand K.Conclusion An enteral compound diet containing MCT/LCT can reduce decomposition of the body proteins, enhance the level of serum albumin, and improve the status of protein metabolism of patients after LTP more effectively.