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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 10/2016

Open Access 01-10-2016 | Original Article

The palatability of oral nutritional supplements: before, during, and after chemotherapy

Authors: Irene IJpma, Remco J. Renken, Gert J. Ter Horst, Anna K. L. Reyners

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 10/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are commonly prescribed to malnourished patients to improve their nutritional status. Taste and smell changes in patients with cancer can affect the palatability of ONS. The present study investigated: (1) the palatability of six ONS in testicular cancer patients before, during the first two cycles, and after chemotherapy; (2) the relation between the palatability and taste and smell function; (3) the metallic taste of these ONS.

Methods

Twenty-one testicular cancer patients undergoing first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy participated. Two milk-based (vanilla; strawberry), two juice-based (apple; orange), and two yoghurt-based (vanilla-lemon; peach-orange) ONS were tested. A questionnaire was used to assess the palatability of ONS and to which extent the attribute ‘metallic’ was applicable. Taste and smell function were measured using taste strips and ‘Sniffin’ Sticks’, respectively.

Results

The palatability of ONS was highly variable among patients. The milk-based strawberry ONS was preferred most before, during, and after chemotherapy. The liking of the milk-based vanilla ONS tended to decrease over time (p = 0.053), whereas the liking of the other ONS remained stable. A higher smell threshold and a lower sour taste threshold were correlated to a decreased liking of the milk-based vanilla ONS. The two juice-based ONS tended to taste more metallic during than before chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Health care professionals and patients should be aware that the palatability of ONS can change over time. Regular structured contact between health care professionals and patients regarding the choice of ONS seems warranted.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The palatability of oral nutritional supplements: before, during, and after chemotherapy
Authors
Irene IJpma
Remco J. Renken
Gert J. Ter Horst
Anna K. L. Reyners
Publication date
01-10-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 10/2016
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3263-6

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