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Food in health and disease : scientific-professional journal of nutrition and dietetics, Vol. 15 No. 2, 2026.

Professional paper

MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY DURING BREAST CANCER TREATMENT AND RECOVERY

Eva Pavić ; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia *
Josipa Matanić ; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Zrinka Šmuljić ; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Sandra Bival ; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Valentina Rahelić ; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

Breast cancer and its treatment modalities may have different and sometimes opposing effects on nutritional status, ranging from malnutrition and loss of muscle mass to unwanted weight gain and metabolic complications. Owing to the heterogeneity of the disease, treatment modalities and treatment-related adverse effects, medical nutrition therapy should be individualised. The aim of this professional paper is to present evidence-based approaches to nutritional care during active breast cancer treatment and recovery. Nutritional screening and assessment should be initiated as early as possible and repeated throughout treatment, including monitoring of body weight, food intake, nutrition-impact symptoms, muscle function and metabolic comorbidities. When individual measurement is not available, energy requirements may be estimated at 25–30 kcal/kg/day. A protein intake above 1.0 g/kg/day and, when possible, up to 1.5 g/kg/day is recommended. The Mediterranean dietary pattern may provide a suitable long-term dietary foundation, but during active treatment it should be adapted to nutritional status, appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms and the ability to maintain adequate oral intake. Treatment-related adverse effects such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, taste changes, mucositis and poor appetite require targeted and usually temporary dietary modifications. Although current research suggests a potential role of the gut microbiota in breast cancer development and outcomes, the available evidence is insufficient to support the routine use of specific probiotic preparations. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the nutritionist/dietitian plays an important role in individualising recommendations, monitoring nutritional status and ensuring timely initiation of nutrition support when indicated.

Keywords

breast cancer; medical nutrition therapy; treatment-related adverse effects; Mediterranean diet; nutritionist/dietitian

Hrčak ID:

353400

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/353400

Publication date:

2.11.2026.

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