Association of dietary total antioxidant capacity with anthropometric indicators, C-reactive protein, and clinical outcomes in hospitalized oncologic patients.

Objective: Many studies have shown an inverse association between higher dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and chronic non-communicable diseases, including cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the DTAC with anthropometric and biochemical indicators and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with cancer.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 196 hospitalized patients diagnosed with cancer. The DTAC, determined by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power method, was calculated using a validated standard spreadsheet. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the association, identifying anthropometric indicators that were associated with DTAC and the variables of interest. P < 0.05 was statistically significant.

Results: The individuals included in the last tertile of DTAC presented lower occurrences of death (P = 0.032), constipation (P = 0.010), dysphagia (P = 0.010), painful swallowing and chewing (P = 0.019), and dehydration (P = 0.032) than individuals in the first tertile. The C-reactive protein values were significantly lower (P = 0.010) and handgrip strength values were higher (P = 0.037) in individuals in the third tertile than in the other participants.

Conclusions: DTAC was associated with a better prognosis of hospitalized cancer patients, considering signs and symptoms of nutritional impact, as well as the inflammatory state of the patients. These factors may influence the length of hospital stay and mortality. The findings of this research provide important information for a preventive and nutritional management perspective in this population.