Sudha Sairam

Methodology- A total of 300 subjects aged 25-75 years were selected from reputed hospitals based on inclusion criteria. Data on demographics, medical history, dietary intake through FFQ and 24-hour dietary recall, anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, inflammatory & nutritional biomarkers were analysed. Results- Nutrient intake analysis showed 270 subjects had inadequate daily intake of protein, essential fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. BMI was normal (21.1±1.21 kg/m²) among subjects n=93 subjects, n=160 were overweight/obese (25.54±1.98 kg/m²), n=24 were undernourished (16.93±1.43 kg/m²). Handgrip strength was weak in 210 subjects, 85 were normal, and only 5 were strong. Clinical signs & symptoms, including joint pain, swelling and stiffness, were mild in males and moderate in females. Nutritional biomarkers showed normal calcium (8.63±0.66mg/dl) and hemoglobin (14.01±0.27g/dl) levels in males but low calcium (7.99±0.12mg/dl) and hemoglobin (11.82±0.08g/dl) levels in females. Inflammatory markers, ESR (76.74±27.26mm/hr) and CRP (36.67±20.24mg/dl), were higher in females compared to males ESR (43±17.51mm/hr) and CRP (25.68±5.20mg/dl). Conclusion- The evidence suggests the need for nutrient-dense diet, focusing more on protective-nutrients such as protein, calcium, iron, and essential fatty acids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. A holistic approach combining medical and nutrition therapy is recommended for better RA management and improved quality of life.

Malnutrition is one of the most important nutritional issues that can arise during cancer treatment and it is common among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The anatomic site of tumor can significantly affect deglutition and mastication which are the major causes of malnutrition apart from cachexia. The objective of this research work was to study the socio-demographic and nutritional status of patients with HNC. A pilot study was undertaken in patients diagnosed with HNC (n=50), attending cancer care specialty hospital, Mysuru, India. From the results, it was observed that the mean BMI of the patients (18.63±3.56 kg/cm2 in men, 21.06±4.69 kg/cm2 in women) was normal. The subjects had MUAC values lower than the standard value indicating a nutritional risk if not given attention (Men-25.12±2.47, Women-24.21±4.24). The TSF values were lower (Men – 7.27±4.19, Women – 14.3±7.64) compared to the standard value (10 in men and 13.25 in women). Hence, BMI is not an accurate tool to reflect the nutritional status. Biochemical data revealed that the haemoglobin (12.53±2.24 g/dL in men, 11±1.73g/dL in women) and platelet count was lower than the normal values. The PG-SGA score revealed that 42% of the study population were in the SGA B and C category implying moderate to severe malnutrition and 54% of the patients complained of deglutition. Cancer cachexia along with lower values of anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters reflect poor nutritional status among HNC patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both. Therefore, nutritional screening and assessment of the HNC patients are of utmost importance before starting the treatment regimen.