From the Guidelines
For individuals with pancreatic cancer, a nutrient-dense, easily digestible diet is recommended, focusing on small, frequent meals with lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and taking prescribed pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) with meals, as evidenced by the most recent guidelines 1. To manage pancreatic cancer effectively, it's crucial to prioritize a diet that supports nutritional needs and minimizes symptoms. Key components of this diet include:
- Small, frequent meals (5-6 per day) to ease digestion
- Lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and plant proteins
- Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil
- Prescribed PERT, such as Creon or Zenpep, taken with meals to address fat malabsorption due to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, as recommended by recent clinical practice updates 1 Additional considerations for this diet include:
- Staying well-hydrated with 8-10 cups of fluid daily
- Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, processed foods, and excessive sugar
- Managing nausea with bland foods like crackers, toast, and clear broths
- Limiting high-fiber foods temporarily for diarrhea
- Incorporating calorie-dense foods and nutritional supplement drinks like Ensure or Boost for weight loss This approach is supported by recent clinical practice updates, which emphasize the importance of PERT in managing exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and improving quality of life 1. By following this diet and working closely with a healthcare provider, individuals with pancreatic cancer can better manage their symptoms and support their nutritional needs during treatment.
From the Research
Dietary Recommendations for Pancreatic Cancer
- Fruits, particularly citrus, and vegetable consumption may be beneficial 2
- Whole grain consumption has been shown to reduce pancreatic cancer risk, and fortification of whole grains with folate may confer further protection 2
- Red meat, cooked at high temperatures, should be avoided and replaced with poultry or fish 2
- Total fat should be reduced 2
- The use of curcumin and other flavonoids should be encouraged in the diet 2
- Enteral nutrition is associated with shorter length of stay in hospital, lower rate and development of complications, positive effects on cytokine rates, and lower weight loss 3
- Dietary supplements enriched with omega-3 fatty acids lead to higher body weight and lean body mass 3
Nutritional Interventions
- Parenteral nutrition is associated with a higher incidence of complications 3
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) may be beneficial for patients with pancreatic cancer, especially those with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) 4
- Nutritional support and PERT should be considered as part of a multidisciplinary management approach for patients with pancreatic cancer 4