BACKGROUND: The nutritional implications of learned food aversions were evaluated in patients with newly diagnosed cancer receiving either chemotherapy (n = 53) or radiation therapy (n = 49). METHODS: Aversion incidence was determined by questionnaires and a food challenge. Measures of dietary and nutritional status included ratings of appetite and chemosensory function; reported shifts of food selection and measured body weight; lymphocyte count; hematocrit; and plasma albumin, transferrin, and hemoglobin levels. Quality of life was assessed by self-ratings of mood and well-being. RESULTS: Subsequent to the initiation of treatments, aversions formed in 56% and 62% of patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy, respectively. The aversions were specific (two to four items per afflicted patient) and transient (mean duration, 0.25-2 months). All types of foods and beverages were targeted. No significant association was observed between food aversion incidence and any measure of dietary complications, nutritional status, or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Although food aversions are a common sequela of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, they generally have limited clinical significance.
BACKGROUND: The nutritional implications of learned food aversions were evaluated in patients with newly diagnosed cancer receiving either chemotherapy (n = 53) or radiation therapy (n = 49). METHODS: Aversion incidence was determined by questionnaires and a food challenge. Measures of dietary and nutritional status included ratings of appetite and chemosensory function; reported shifts of food selection and measured body weight; lymphocyte count; hematocrit; and plasma albumin, transferrin, and hemoglobin levels. Quality of life was assessed by self-ratings of mood and well-being. RESULTS: Subsequent to the initiation of treatments, aversions formed in 56% and 62% of patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy, respectively. The aversions were specific (two to four items per afflicted patient) and transient (mean duration, 0.25-2 months). All types of foods and beverages were targeted. No significant association was observed between food aversion incidence and any measure of dietary complications, nutritional status, or quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Although food aversions are a common sequela of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, they generally have limited clinical significance.
Authors: Jennifer Cohen; Claire E Wakefield; Linda C Tapsell; Karen Walton; Catharine A K Fleming; Richard J Cohn Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2014-08-17 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: M V Berteretche; A M Dalix; A M Cesar d'Ornano; F Bellisle; D Khayat; A Faurion Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2004-06-04 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Maria Maldonado; David L Molfese; Humsini Viswanath; Kaylah Curtis; Ashley Jones; Teresa G Hayes; Marco Marcelli; Sanjay Mediwala; Philip Baldwin; Jose M Garcia; Ramiro Salas Journal: J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle Date: 2018-03-25 Impact factor: 12.910