Dietary patterns and chemosensory perception in patients with advanced cancer

Current nutrition intervention strategies for patients with advanced cancer are not developed in the context of dietary intake, chemosensory limitations or food preferences. This research was conducted to characterize the current dietary intake and to examine the relationship between self-perceived chemosensory impairment, food intake and quality of life in patients with advanced cancer. Subjects (n=114) completed a 3-day dietary record to estimate nutrient intake and dietary patterns. Self-perceived chemosensory function and quality of life were assessed by way of questionnaire (n=50). Wide variation in estimated energy (25.3 +/- 10 kcal/kg/day, mean +/- SD) and protein (1.0 +/- 0.4 g/kg/day) intakes were observed; low intakes were associated with decreased frequency of eating, limited dietary variety, and self-perceived chemosensory dysfunction. Acute chemosensory complaints were associated with decreased food enjoyment (P=.0110) and quality of life ( P=.0070). These results describe current food selection and nutrient intake in patients with advanced cancer and highlight the importance of recognizing the current dietary habits, food preferences and sensory symptomology of this patient group when developing a nutrition intervention.