The positive effects of Mediterranean-neutropenic diet on nutritional status of acute myeloid leukemia patients under chemotherapy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cancer and chemotherapy-induced malnutrition increase death, reduce the response to treatment, and increase multiple kinds of side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Mediterranean-neutropenic diet on the nutritional status of acute myeloid leukemia patients under chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 patients were divided into two groups by a random allocation scheme: the Mediterranean-neutropenic diet (n = 25) and the neutropenic diet group (n = 25). The intervention was implemented during a one month period. The nutritional status was evaluated based on PG-SGA. Serum albumin levels and dietary intake were also measured.

RESULTS: After the intervention, the mean serum albumin level in the intervention group was significantly higher than the beginning of the study (p = 0.09) and in comparison with the control group (p = 0.01). Also, the mean serum albumin level in the control group significantly decreased at the end of the study compared to the beginning of the study (p = 0.03). After intervention, the nutritional status of the patients in the intervention group was significantly improved compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION: In general, based on the results of this study, the Mediterranean neutropenic diet improves nutritional status during chemotherapy by increasing food intake, preventing weight loss and increasing serum albumin levels

Keywords

nutritional status / Mediterranean diet / neutropenic diet / AML / chemotherapy

References

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Acknowledgments

Kindly thanks and regards to all participants. We also highly appreciate the cooperation and efforts of all the personnel of Shariati hospital A and B oncology departments. The authors declarethat they have no competing interests.

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