Serum Vitamin A, E and Carotenoids After 6 Months of an Individualized Nutritional Intervention in Recently Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of retinol, carotenoids and α-tocopherol before and after 6 mo of an individualized nutrition intervention program in recently diagnosed breast cancer patients (BCP). Methods This is a pretest-posttest study in recently diagnosed nonmetastatic BPC undergoing antineoplastic treatment. Baseline and final measurements include anthropometry, body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry), 24 h dietary recall, and the assessment of serum retinol, carotenoids and α-tocopherol. The individualized nutrition intervention was developed based on the macronutrient meal equivalent method, based on women's total energy expenditure, and following the WCRF/AICR guidelines, adapting 1.5 g/kg/d of protein intake, 5–9 servings of fruits and vegetables and a caloric restriction (500–1000 kcal/d) when applicable (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Results Nineteen women between 33 and 68 years of age completed the intervention. At the time of diagnosis, 74% of the women were overweight or obese, and serum retinol was < 1.05 µmol/L in 42% (n = 8). After the intervention, BCP decreased an average of 2.67 kg of body weight (p < 0.001), and lost ∼2 kg of body fat (p < 0.01). After the intervention, serum retinol increased + 0.83 µmol/L (p < 0.001) and α-tocopherol increased + 1.89 µmol/L (p < 0.02) increased, which was positively correlated with a dietary increase of these micronutrients (p < 0.05). No difference was found for provitamin A carotenoids or xantophils (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene) (p > 0.05). Conclusions The implementation of an individualized nutritional intervention program before and during antineoplastic treatment increased serum vitamin A and E concentration, improving the nutritional status of BCP. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03625635. Funding Sources JAP, ATLM received a fellowship from the National Research Council in Mexico.