Abstract: Nutritional status of the subjects at baseline and during treatment of cancer plays a vital role in clinical outcomes and response for cancer treatment. This study was planned to prospectively assess the dietary intake of consecutive de novo pediatric cancer patients enrolled for treatment at a tertiary care center. Dietary assessment of the subjects (n=626) was done using Food Frequency and Amount Questionnaire (FFAQ). This information was then used to calculate daily intake of the foods/ food groups by each subject and was compared with the reference for respective age group for the same food and food groups. Results revealed that more than 70% of the subjects were consuming cereals, pulses and milk and milk products <RDI. Similarity Roots and tubers, other vegetables, Green leafy vegetables (GLV), and fruits were consumed <RDA by majority of the subjects (86.10%, 92.00%, 71.20% and 87.50% respectively). Girls consumed significantly more of cereals, pulses, milk, roots and tubers, GLV and fruits compared to boys. Cereals, pulses and milk and milk products intake was higher in older children (5-10 years and >10 years) as compared to younger (< 5 years). Vegetables and fruits intake was significantly higher in younger children (<5 years) as compared to children of 5-10 years and >10 years. Milk and other vegetables intake was higher in hematological malignancies (HM) patient’s comparative to solid tumor (ST) patients and this difference was found to be significant (p= 0.024, p= 0.036). Majority of the pediatric cancer subjects consumed less than RDI of all most all the food groups at baseline. Significant associations were found between dietary pattern, age, gender and type of cancer in pediatric cancer subjects.
Keywords: Cancer, Children, Baseline dietary profile.
Title: Dietary profile of pediatric cancer patients at baseline
Author: Richa Srivastava, Kumari Geeta
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
Research Publish Journals
