Oral protein and energy supplements in cancer patients.

Reduced food intake is a common problem in patients with malignant disease. Oral supplementation is the simplest and least invasive method of increasing the nutrient intake, and a number of neutral protein and energy supplements are available. This study was carried out to assess the value of these supplements when incorporated into the everyday diet of cancer patients. The first stage of the study evaluated the palatability of the energy and protein supplements available. Polycal was found to be the most acceptable energy supplement and Protifar the most acceptable protein supplement. These two products were then used to assess their contribution to the protein and energy intake of cancer patients when incorporated into everyday food. The rise in protein and energy intake was statistically significant but the increase in energy was not thought to be clinically important.