Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is a common complication in children
with cancer. Cancer treatment and malnutrition can disrupt gut
microbiome diversity and composition. This study aims to compare the
dietary intakes between children with solid tumors post-chemotherapy and
healthy controls, and investigate associations between the dietary
intakes and the gut microbiome.
Procedure: Children (7-18 years) with solid tumors were
recruited during year 1 after the completion of chemotherapy from
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia. Healthy controls
were recruited via flyers. Children completed the Block Kids Food
Screener for dietary intakes in the past week. Fecal specimens were
collected and processed for the gut microbiome. QIIME2 and Mann-Whitney
U tests were conducted to answer the research questions.
Results: Forty-nine children (25 cancers vs 24 controls) were
analyzed. Two groups had no differences in age, race, sex, and body mass
index. Children with solid tumors reported significantly higher mean
daily intakes of macronutrients: calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate,
and fiber, and antioxidant nutrients (vitamin E, vitamin C, and
selenium) than controls. Children with adequate vitamin B6 had a higher
Chao1 diversity index than children with inadequate or excessive intake
(P = 0.0004). Children with excessive selenium intake had a trend
of higher Pielou’s_e index than children with inadequate intake
(P = 0.091).
Conclusion: Children with cancer reported significantly higher
intakes of macronutrients and antioxidant nutrients than healthy
children, but no differences in major energy ratios. Macronutrients,
particularly antioxidant nutrients, were associated with disruptions of
the gut microbiome in children with solid tumors.