What is a common side effect of chemotherapy that impacts nutrition?

Chemotherapy is known to have various side effects that can significantly affect a patient's nutritional status, and one of the most common side effects is altered nutrition. This alteration can manifest in several ways, including changes in appetite (either increased or decreased), taste alterations, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Such side effects often lead to difficulties in maintaining proper nutrition, as patients may struggle to consume adequate amounts of food or might avoid certain foods due to aversions or unpleasant sensations associated with eating.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy frequently experience a decreased desire to eat or taste changes, resulting in reduced intake of essential nutrients. This can compromise their overall health, recovery, and ability to tolerate treatment. Ensuring proper nutritional support and intervention during chemotherapy is crucial for patient well-being, making an understanding of altered nutrition an essential concept in the context of cancer treatment.