Assessment of Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score Values of Neutropenic Diet Contents Used in Immunocompromised Cancer Patients: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: The aim of this study was to calculate the protein quality of the nutrient content of 4 different neutropenic diets used to support the treatment of immunocompromised cancer patients in a university hospital in İstanbul. Material and Methods: Four neutropenic diet plans differing in energy and protein content (2 diets providing 1,900 kcal with 80 and 82 grams protein; 2 diets providing 1,800 kcal with 76 and 82 grams protein) were evaluated. The protein quality was calculated using the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) method developed by World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization (2007), which takes into account both the amino acid profile and the digestibility of proteins. The amino acid composition of the foods in the diets was obtained from the Turkish National Food Composition Database and the United States Department of Agriculture database. Results: It was found that the food group with the highest PDCAAS among animal-derived products, cereals and cereal products and legumes was found to be animal-derived products, as expected. The foods with the lowest PDCAASs scores were white bread (48.76%), pasta (50.40%), rice (55.00%), and wheat flour (58.10%), respectively. The foods with the highest PDCAASs were milk and cream cheese (100%), yogurt (94.90%), and eggs (91.75%). Conclusion: In light of these results, neutropenic diets for cancer patients should be planned not only by considering the quantity of protein but also by evaluating the protein quality, which is critical for maintaining optimal patient health.