PROTEIN is important for numerous structural and functional purposes. It is essential for growth and repair of the body and plays an important role in immune functioning1,2.
In patients with cancer, protein needs are increased as a result of abnormalities in protein metabolism, whereby protein breakdown is increased and protein synthesis rates are reduced, leading to muscle loss3.
Low muscle mass can happen at any stage of cancer and is associated with severe side effects of cancer treatment, poorer surgical outcomes and shorter survival time4.
Preserving adequate nutritional status and muscle can support outcomes during anti-cancer treatment. Therefore, prompt nutritional support to address energy and protein needs is recommended along the oncology journey5,6.