The effect of chemotherapy on dietary intake and nutritional status in patients with colorectal neoplasms and the importance of nutritional counseling.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at assessing the effect of chemotherapy on dietary intake and nutritional status of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study conducted with 35 patients of both sexes, aged 50 years or older. Dietary intake was assessed four times: before (T0), twice during (T1 and T2), and after (TF) chemotherapy. Data on energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients were used for assessing dietary intake. Nutritional status was assessed on the first day and at the end of the chemotherapy cycle. The data were treated statistically using a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The intake of energy, carbohydrates, lipids, selenium, and iron was lower after chemotherapy infusion (p < 0.05). Energy consumption decreased when comparing T0 (1419.8 ± 527.1 kcal) with T1 (1181.9 ± 423.2 kcal). Regarding macronutrients, carbohydrates and lipids showed a drop (p < 0.05), but there were no differences in protein intake, and it was observed that the consumption of food sources such as dairy was prioritized. In the analysis of vitamins and minerals, vitamins dropped but without a significant difference. There were significant differences between T1 and TF for iron (9.7 mg ± 4.5 mg and 12.0 ± 4.0 mg) and selenium (77.4 ± 29.7 µg and 93.6 ± 37.8 µg). There was no change in body composition and nutritional status between chemotherapy cycles. CONCLUSION: The treatment reduced patients' food consumption after the chemotherapy session and impacted dietary intake, which demonstrates the importance of nutritional counseling and intervention, especially on energy consumption.

Impact of the antifermentative diet during radiotherapy for prostate cancer in elderly, SÃO Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the impact of the antifermentative diet on the dietary intake and body composition of elderly prostate cancer patients in radiotherapy. METHODS: Observational and prospective study involving 45 men aged 60 years or older, receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer treatment. The dietary intake was assessed at four times during radiotherapy: onset (TPre), between the 11th and 16th day (T1), between the 24th and 28th day (T2), and on the last day (TLast). The body composition was assessed before and on the last day of radiotherapy, by means of the body weight and height, mid-arm circumference, triceps and subscapular skin folds, phase angle, resistance, and reactance. The data were statistically treated, considering a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The intake of energy, dietary fibers, and some nutrients decreased during the radiotherapy (p < 0.05). The intake of vitamins E, B1, B2, and folate, of the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, and of the amino acid leucine dropped when the four assessment times were compared (p < 0.05). As regards the body composition, an impact was observed at the end of the radiotherapy, with lower body weight, arm circumference, subscapular cutaneous fold, phase angle and reactance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The antifermentative diet negatively influenced the food consumption and body composition of elderly patients submitted to radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Nutrient intake of women 3 years after Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deficiencies, especially micronutrient deficiencies, can occur in obese individuals. Surgical treatment may aggravate or cause these deficiencies, depending on the type of procedure, food intake and the use of multivitamins, minerals or other supplements. The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutrient intake of women who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. METHODS: A cross-sectional, controlled study was conducted among 44 women after RYGB (operated-group, OG; mean years post-operation = 3.4) and a control group of 38 healthy women (non-operated group, NOG) matched by age and economic condition. The women reported their dietary intake using a 4-day record. The Dietary Reference Intakes was used as a reference. RESULTS: The macronutrient contributions to dietary energy intake presented an acceptable distribution for proteins and carbohydrates. Lipid intake was high among women in the OG and the NOG (43.2 and 55.3 %, respectively). In the evaluation of micronutrients, a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups for iron, zinc and vitamins B1 and B12. Both groups were at high risk for inadequate calcium intake, and the OG was at risk for inadequate zinc, iron and vitamin B1 intake. CONCLUSIONS: The nutrient intake of women who had undergone RYGB is very similar to that of non-operated women, with the exception of a reduced intake of iron, zinc and vitamins B1 and B12, which may be due to the difficulty of consuming meat and a balanced diet. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of appropriate nutritional intervention and the regular use of multivitamin and mineral supplements for these patients.