Recent data shows that up to 70% of cancer patients also suffer from malnutrition. Malnutrition encompasses two states: undernutrition, where the body does not receive enough nutrients to function properly, and overnutrition, where the body accumulates nutrients beyond its actual requirements.
For cancer patients, malnutrition significantly impacts the effectiveness of their treatment. When a patient’s weight and muscle mass fall below healthy levels, it can lead to several serious issues: increased surgical complications, severe side effects from chemotherapy and inability to complete the full treatment plan, leading to poor treatment outcomes or a worsening of the patient’s overall condition.
How does medical food help address malnutrition in cancer patients?
Cancer cells often cause patients to lose their appetite or feel full very quickly while eating. This prevents the body from receiving the nutrients it needs, ultimately leading to malnutrition.
Doctors generally recommend that patients eat small, frequent meals focusing on high-protein and high-energy foods. This is where medical food plays a vital role.
Medical food for cancer patients is a high-protein, high-energy liquid formula designed to boost the immune system, maintain a healthy body weight, and prevent muscle wasting caused by protein deficiency.
A Deep Dive into the 5 Main Ingredients Supporting Cancer Patients
There are various medical food formulas designed to address malnutrition across different diseases, each tailored to manage specific needs for undernutrition or overnutrition. Similarly, medical food for cancer is formulated with specific ingredients to meet the unique nutritional requirements of cancer patients.
- Protein (Preventing Protein Deficiency)
If you do not receive enough protein, it begins to break down muscle tissue for energy.
This leads to physical frailty, exhaustion, and a weakened immune system that cannot function at full capacity, significantly increasing the risk of infection.
Such complications can make the treatment process much more difficult. Ensuring adequate protein intake prevents deficiency caused by cancer cells depleting the body’s resources. It helps maintain a strong immune system and allows the patient to complete their full course of treatment without interruption.
- Arginine (Immune Support)
Arginine is an amino acid that the body can normally produce on its own. However, when a patient experiences muscle wasting, arginine levels can drop significantly. It plays a vital role in supporting white blood cells, which protect the body from infection and aid in wound healing.
- Glutamine (Energy for Immune Cells)
Glutamine is an important amino acid that helps your body stay balanced. It fuels your cells, keeps your immune system working correctly, and supports your brain, muscles, and digestion. During cancer treatment, your body’s glutamine levels can fall, which may leave you feeling weak or run down. This drop in nutrients can affect your health and make it harder for your treatments to work as well as they should.
- Omega-3 / Fish Oil (Anti-Inflammatory)
A common health challenge for cancer patients is extreme weight loss and physical frailty.
This occurs because cancer cells release inflammatory markers that accelerate the body’s metabolism and suppress appetite, leading to the rapid breakdown of both muscle and fat. Omega-3 plays a vital role here; as an unsaturated fatty acid, it helps reduce systemic inflammation. This can improve the patient’s appetite, help maintain stable weight and muscle mass, and empower the body to handle cancer symptoms and treatment more effectively.
- MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides)
MCTs are an ideal nutrient for cancer patients experiencing issues with digestion and nutrient absorption. As medium-chain fatty acids, they do not require a complex digestive process
Instead, they are absorbed directly and sent to the liver to be converted into immediate energy. This makes them an essential energy source for patients needing a rapid caloric boost or those looking to support pancreatic function.
Medical Food: A Vital Support for Cancer Patients
A cancer diagnosis often brings significant changes to how the body functions. These shifts are caused by both the disease itself and its symptoms, which can disrupt daily life—especially when it comes to nutrition. Planning and prioritizing the right diet becomes more critical than ever.
Because of these challenges, medical food has become an essential option for those undergoing cancer treatment.
Why Choose Medical Food?
Its liquid form is easy to consume, requiring minimal time and effort for patients who may feel fatigued. Provides a balanced and appropriate nutritional profile, making it ideal for patients suffering from a loss of appetite.
Medical foods are developed to meet the unique needs of various conditions. For cancer patients, formulas are specifically designed to be high in protein and energy, helping to strengthen the immune system.
📌 For More Information
- Facebook: Thai Otsuka Nutrition Club
- LINE OA: @thaiotsuka
- Instagram: @thaiotsuka
🛒 Where to Buy
You can find our products at hospitals and pharmacies nationwide. Alternatively, order online via the Otsuka Official Store:
- Lazada: https://www.lazada.co.th/shop/otsuka-official-store
- Shopee: https://shopee.co.th/thaiotsuka_official
Note: Medical food must be used strictly under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
