The essential role of protein intake at every stage of the cancer journey 

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.

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ESPEN & ESMO Protein recommendations5,6.

>1 g/kg/day and if possible, up to 1.5 g/kg/day in all patients with cancer

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DID YOU KNOW?

49-66% OF CANCER PATIENTS DO NOT COMSUME SUFFICIENT PROTEIN ACCORDING TO RECOMMENDATIONS7-9

If food intake is not sufficient to meet protein and energy needs, oral nutritional supplements (ONS) can help patients meet their nutritional needs5,6.

LOW PROTEIN INTAKE IS ASSOCIATED WITH:

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Low muscle mass10,11

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Cancer related fatigue9,12

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Survival9,13,14

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BODY WEIGHT AND MUSCLE MASS15-17

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TOLERANCE TO ANTI-CANCER TREATMENT16,18

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RADIOTHERAPY TOLERANCE16

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POST OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS15,19,20

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LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY19,20

IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER HIGH PROTEIN ONS HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED TO IMPROVE:

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Fortimel Compact Protein can support oncology patients to meet protein recommendations21.

fortimel compact protein mocca1

Fortimel Compact Protein

Fortimel Compact Protein is a food for special medical purposes, a high protein, high energy, oral nutritional supplement. Available in sensory adapted flavours designed specifically for cancer patients experiencing taste alterations.

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Taste can change outcomes shouldn’t

Up to 70% of cancer patients experience taste and smell alterations[22]. Sensory changes in cancer contribute to weight loss and malnutrition, increasing the risk of poor clinical outcomes[23-28]. Sensory-adapted oral nutritional supplements, such as the Fortimel Compact Protein Sensational flavor range, have been designed and validated with cancer patients experiencing taste and smell alterations.

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Nutritional care is important at every stop of the patient journey

Cancer treatment is often a complex and difficult journey, and ensuring patients are fit to receive treatment is crucial to improve patient outcomes and prognosis. Cancer treatments act a trigger of catabolism, leading to weight and muscle loss, that adversely impact clinical outcomes[27-30]. Early detection and treatment of malnutrition is essential to optimize cancer care[5-6].

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