Impact of the antifermentative diet during radiotherapy for prostate cancer in elderly, SAO Paulo, Brazil

Objective Assess the impact of the antifermentative diet on the dietary intake and body composition of elderly prostate cancer patients in radiotherapy. Methods Observational and prospective study involving 45 men aged 60 years or older, receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer treatment. The dietary intake was assessed at four times during radiotherapy: onset (T-Pre), between the 11th and 16th day (T-1), between the 24th and 28th day (T-2), and on the last day (T-Last). The body composition was assessed before and on the last day of radiotherapy, by means of the body weight and height, mid-arm circumference, triceps and subscapular skin folds, phase angle, resistance, and reactance. The data were statistically treated, considering a 5% significance level. Results The intake of energy, dietary fibers, and some nutrients decreased during the radiotherapy (p < 0.05). The intake of vitamins E, B1, B2, and folate, of the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus, and of the amino acid leucine dropped when the four assessment times were compared (p < 0.05). As regards the body composition, an impact was observed at the end of the radiotherapy, with lower body weight, arm circumference, subscapular cutaneous fold, phase angle and reactance (p < 0.05). Conclusion The antifermentative diet negatively influenced the food consumption and body composition of elderly patients submitted to radiotherapy for prostate cancer.