Possible Effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy on Nutrition Status

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF RADIATION

Reduce nutrient intake:
Anorexia
Damage to teeth and bone
Esophagitis
Nausea
Reduced salivary secretions
Taste alterations
Thick salivary secretions
Vomiting

Increase nutrient losses:
Chronic blood loss from intestine and bladder
Diarrhea
Fistula formation
Intestinal obstructions
Malabsorption

Altered Metabolism
(secondary to malnutrition)

POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY

Reduced nutrient intake
Abdominal pain
Anorexia
Intestinal ulcers
Nausea
Taste alterations
Vomiting

Increased nutrient losses
Diarrhea
Malabsorption

Altered metabolism
Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Hyperglycemia
Interference with vitamins or other metabolites
Negative nitrogen and calcium balance