Brenda Khan
A high-protein diet is often associated with lean muscle mass and weight loss. However, the source of protein is critical, as animal-based proteins like red meat, eggs, and dairy contain high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol, potentially leading to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. For cancer patients, the topic of high-protein diets is complex and depends on individual needs. While protein is essential for growth, repair, and a healthy immune system, there are concerns that increased protein intake may promote tumour growth. Nutritional requirements during cancer treatment vary, and it is crucial to consult a dietitian to ensure adequate protein intake without compromising overall health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Protein requirements for cancer patients | 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day |
| Average protein requirement for healthy people | 0.8 g/kg/day |
| Recommended protein sources | Salmon, shrimp, cold-water fish, eggs, nut butters, Greek yogurt, quinoa, milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt, soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk |
| Protein-rich diets | Atkins Diet, The Zone, Keto, Paleo, South Beach |
| Protein deficiencies | Linked to decreased muscle mass, functionality, and wound healing in cancer patients |
| High-protein diets | Linked to reduced appetite and increased metabolism |
| Risks of high-protein diets | May stress kidneys, high cholesterol, and greater risk for heart disease |
| Importance of protein | Necessary for growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues, protects body against infection, helps fight cancer |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of protein during cancer treatment
Protein is one of the three major macronutrients, meaning your body needs it in greater quantities than other nutrients. It is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks for life, helping the body perform critical functions, such as powering chemical reactions, regulating the immune system and metabolic processes, and building and repairing tissues.
Protein is especially important for cancer patients as cancer treatment can cause unwanted weight loss due to a decrease in muscle mass, which can make patients frail and less responsive to treatment. Therefore, it is important to optimise protein intake to help preserve muscle mass. During cancer treatment, the body's protein needs are higher than normal, and requirements can be 1 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight or higher per day.
Protein can be obtained from both animal and plant-based foods. Animal-based proteins are found in meat, fish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Plant-based proteins are found in pulses (beans, peas, and lentils), soy-based products (like soy milk), nuts, and seeds. If you don’t eat animal-based protein, it’s important to eat enough protein from a variety of different plant-based sources.
Protein shakes are also a good way to increase protein intake. These can be store-bought or homemade, with protein powders that fit your dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices.
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The link between high-protein diets and cancer
Protein is one of the three major macronutrients, meaning your body needs it in greater quantities than other nutrients. It is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks for life. Protein helps the body perform critical functions, such as powering chemical reactions, regulating the immune system and metabolic processes, and building and repairing tissues.
High-protein diets have been linked to a reduced appetite and a boosted metabolism. They have also been shown to aid in the preservation of lean body mass during weight loss. However, some experts have expressed concern about the potential negative effects of these diets. Consuming high-fat, protein-rich foods, for example, can lead to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. High-protein diets have also been linked to kidney stress.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), consuming more than 12 to 18 ounces of red meat per week may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Additionally, regularly consuming processed meats and cooking red meat at high temperatures may also contribute to an increased cancer risk. However, it is important to note that the source of protein matters, and plant-based proteins may be safer choices.
During cancer treatment, the body's protein needs are typically higher than normal. Therefore, it is crucial for cancer patients to consume adequate protein to support growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues, as well as to protect against infection. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate protein intake based on individual factors, including age, body composition, overall health, and specific diagnosis and treatment goals.
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The impact of cancer treatment on appetite and diet
Cancer treatment can have a significant impact on a person's appetite and diet. It is common for cancer patients to experience a loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss and malnutrition. Malnutrition can further cause weakness, fatigue, and a decreased ability to fight infections, which can negatively affect the patient's quality of life and even become life-threatening.
Several factors contribute to the loss of appetite in cancer patients, including the cancer itself, the side effects of treatment, anxiety, pain, depression, and fatigue. Additionally, cancer and its treatment can affect a person's sense of taste and smell, leading to decreased food intake. Treatment-related fatigue can also reduce physical activity, potentially leading to weight gain.
To manage these challenges, it is crucial to consult with a doctor and a registered dietitian. They can provide guidance on nutrition and help manage side effects. Eating high-protein and high-calorie foods is often recommended to prevent malnutrition and maintain muscle mass. Small, frequent meals spaced throughout the day can help ensure adequate nutrition.
Additionally, cancer patients should focus on choosing healthy protein sources. While animal sources like red meat, eggs, and dairy provide protein, they can also contain high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol. Therefore, it is important to include plant-based proteins, such as beans, nuts, seeds, and soy products, as well as lean meats and low-fat dairy options.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication or recommend new drugs like anamorelin, mirtazapine, thalidomide, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to help improve appetite and address emotional factors contributing to loss of appetite.
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Recommended sources of protein for cancer patients
A high-protein diet is essential for cancer patients, as protein is necessary for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. It also helps protect the body against infection, especially during cancer treatment. However, it is crucial to choose the source of protein carefully, as not all protein sources are equal. While animal-based protein sources like red meat, eggs, and dairy products can contain high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol, plant-based sources and seafood are recommended.
Seafood
Salmon, shrimp, and cold-water fish are excellent sources of protein. Salmon, in particular, stands out due to its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, which promote brain and heart health. A typical salmon fillet weighing between 3.5 and 4 ounces can provide 20 to 25 grams of protein. Tuna and other high-mercury fish should be limited to twice a week.
Plant-Based Sources
Nuts, seeds, and soy products are excellent plant-based sources of protein. For instance, nut butters like almond butter and peanut butter typically contain 6 to 8 grams of protein per serving (2 tablespoons). These options are ideal for those with meat or dairy restrictions. Additionally, trail mix, which combines nuts and dried fruits, is a convenient and nutritious protein source.
Dairy
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt can also contribute to protein intake. One cup of low-fat cottage cheese provides 30 grams of protein, while 8 ounces of whole milk (skim to whole fat) offers 8 grams of protein. Greek yoghurt is a versatile option that can be enjoyed in smoothies, with fruit, or on its own.
Eggs
Eggs are a convenient and nutritious source of protein. The average egg contains around 6 to 7 grams of protein. They can be incorporated into various dishes, such as salads, dressings, sandwich spreads, or scrambled for a quick protein boost. It is important to ensure that eggs are always cooked thoroughly to minimise the risk of foodborne illness.
It is worth noting that the recommended protein intake can vary from person to person, depending on weight, health conditions, and specific cancer diagnosis and treatment goals. Consulting with a registered dietitian can help ensure that cancer patients are receiving the appropriate amount and sources of protein to meet their individual needs.
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How to calculate protein requirements for cancer patients
A high-protein diet is linked to reduced appetite and an increased metabolism. It is also helpful in preserving lean body mass during weight loss. However, it is important to be cautious about the source of protein. While red meat, eggs, and dairy products are rich in protein, they also contain high levels of saturated fats and cholesterol. On the other hand, seafood and plant-based sources of protein, such as nuts, seeds, and soy products, are often overlooked.
Protein is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues, making it particularly important for cancer patients undergoing treatment. The side effects of cancer treatment can make it challenging for patients to obtain sufficient protein, which can lead to decreased muscle mass, functionality, and wound healing.
To calculate protein requirements for cancer patients, it is recommended to consult with a dietitian to determine the right amount of protein for individual needs. Factors such as weight and health conditions influence the amount of protein a person needs to consume. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises most adults to aim for approximately 50 grams of protein per day, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. However, this may vary depending on age, body composition, overall health, specific cancer diagnosis, and treatment goals.
- Include eggs in your diet by adding them to salads, dressings, sandwich spreads, vegetables, casseroles, and creamed meats. You can also beat eggs into sauces, mashed potatoes, and other dishes.
- Use egg substitutes if you cannot consume eggs.
- Incorporate cheese into your meals by melting it on sandwiches, meats, vegetables, or fruit desserts. You can also grate it into sauces, soups, casseroles, vegetables, pasta, rice, and meatloaf.
- Substitute milk for water when cooking cereals, soups, or potatoes. Use whole milk in cocoa, pudding, and soup mixes for extra protein.
- Fortify your milk by mixing regular milk with skim milk powder to make it double strength. Use this for drinking or preparing hot or cold cereals, scrambled eggs, gravies, sauces, and desserts.
- Include cottage cheese in your diet by stuffing it into fruits and raw vegetables or mixing it with vegetables, egg dishes, casseroles, rice, or pasta. It can also be added to desserts like cheesecake and muffins.
- Add ice cream to your diet by blending it into fruit smoothies or making ice cream sandwiches. It can also be used as a topping for cereals, pies, cakes, and other desserts.
- Consume Greek yogurt alone or with fruit, nuts, or smoothies. It can also be used as a dip for vegetables and snacks.
- Eat more fish, such as salmon, shrimp, and cold-water fish, which are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats.
- Choose plant-based sources of protein like nut butters (almond butter or peanut butter), which provide 6 to 8 grams of protein per serving. These are ideal if you have meat or dairy restrictions.
- Drink almond milk, rice milk, or coconut milk, which contain 1 gram or less of protein per 8 ounces.
It is important to note that the sources of protein matter, and a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources is crucial for cancer patients.
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Frequently asked questions
Salmon, shrimp, cold-water fish, eggs, almond butter, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, quinoa, farro, milk, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and soy products are all good sources of protein.
Protein is necessary for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. It also helps protect the body against infection, especially during cancer treatment.
Protein needs vary from person to person. Speak with a dietitian to determine the right amount of protein for your needs. Generally, during cancer treatment, protein requirements can be 1.2 to 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.
The role of protein in cancer is a matter of debate. While some studies suggest that a high-protein diet may preserve lean body mass, others indicate that it could promote tumour growth. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before significantly increasing your protein intake.
Yes, some risks are associated with high-protein diets, particularly when the protein sources are predominantly animal-based. These diets can lead to high cholesterol and an increased risk for heart disease. Additionally, they can stress the kidneys and may deprive your body of other essential nutrients found in a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
