Dietary intake after pancreatectomy.

Abstract

Nutritional intake after pancreatectomy may be impaired. The extent of the problem and the effect on intake of specific nutrients is unknown. A 1-week weighed dietary food intake (using digital scales and a food diary) was studied in 15 patients, a median of 4 (range 1-30) months after pancreatectomy. Results were expressed as a percentage of estimated average requirement (EAR), reference nutrient intake (RNI) or lower RNI (LRNI) values. The median energy intake was 1914 (range 1154-2804) kcal/day, representing a median of 88 (56-154) per cent of EAR. Fat intake was low (72 (60-123) g/day); protein intake was adequate (139 (99-219) per cent of RNI). Deficiencies were observed in the intake of vitamin D (17 (6-56) per cent of LRNI) and, in some patients, selenium (107 (19-203) per cent of LRNI). Nutritional intake in the months after pancreatectomy could be improved by increasing fat intake (with enzyme supplements as appropriate). This 7-day study also suggests that these patients may require vitamin D and possibly selenium supplementation.