Nutritional approaches in cancer: relevance of individualized counseling and supplementation

Intensive individualized nutritional counseling requires nutrition professionals with specific experience in oncology. If the patient is unable to achieve his or her nutritional requirements via regular foods, nutritional supplements may be prescribed, the composition of which is based on detection of dietary deficits as well as a detailed intake questionnaire. Any nutritional intervention must be based on the need for an adequate intake and also must take into consideration other relevant factors such as digestive and absorptive capacity, the need for alleviation or arrest of symptoms, and any psychological issues.