Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Nutr Cancer. 2022;74(5):1712-1723. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2021.1957948. Epub 2021 Aug 4.
Fortified snacks can increase nutrient intake among patients with cancer. The aim of this study was to identify snack foods preferred as potential vehicles for fortification and how experienced symptoms influence preferences. A study-specific survey among 150 patients identified snack foods for fortification, influence of symptom presence, desired nutrients and characteristics of a fortified snack, and perception of oral nutritional supplements. Patients had mainly breast, gastrointestinal, lung, and colorectal tumors. Soup, yogurt, cheese, fruit juice, egg products, and protein bars were identified as suitable fortified snacks by >60% of subjects. Desired characteristics for snacks included nutritious, flavorful, convenient, ready to eat, easy to chew, and easy to swallow. Vitamins, minerals, and protein were the nutrients of interest. Three clusters of symptoms were identified that predicted patients' desired characteristics of fortified snacks and satisfaction with food-related life. Patients in High and Moderate symptom clusters were more likely to have reduced food intake and higher consumption of oral nutritional supplements. Preferences for fortified snacks and their characteristics are influenced by symptom presence. The results of this study provide insight to guide the development of fortified snacks for patients with cancer.
强化型零食可增加癌症患者的营养摄入。本研究旨在确定可作为强化潜在载体的零食，以及症状出现如何影响偏好。在 150 名患者中进行了一项特定于研究的调查，以确定可强化的零食、症状存在的影响、所需营养素以及强化型零食的特性和对口服营养补充剂的看法。患者主要患有乳腺癌、胃肠道癌、肺癌和结直肠癌。>60%的受试者认为汤、酸奶、奶酪、果汁、蛋制品和蛋白质棒适合强化。理想的零食特性包括有营养、美味、方便、即食、易于咀嚼和吞咽。维生素、矿物质和蛋白质是感兴趣的营养素。确定了三个与症状相关的集群，这些集群预测了患者对强化型零食的理想特性和对与食物相关的生活的满意度。高和中度症状集群的患者更有可能减少食物摄入和增加口服营养补充剂的消费。对强化型零食及其特性的偏好受到症状存在的影响。本研究的结果为指导癌症患者强化型零食的开发提供了见解。
