Loss of muscle mass in the immediate post-operative period is associated with inadequate dietary protein and energy intake

Hardy, E. J.; Deane, C. S.; Lund, J. N.; Phillips, B. E.

Abstract

Despite the implementation of ‘Enhanced Recovery After Surgery’ (ERAS) protocols, major abdominal surgery is still associated with significant and detrimental losses of muscle mass and function in the post-operative period. Although ERAS protocols advocate both early mobility and dietary intake, dietary composition in the immediate post-operative period is poorly characterised, despite muscle losses being greatest in this period. Herein, we show in 15 patients (66 ± 6 y, 12:3 M:F) who lost ~10% m. vastus lateralis muscle mass in the 5 days after open colorectal resective surgery, mean energy intake was only ~25% of the minimum ESPEN recommendation of 25 kcal/kg/d and daily dietary protein intake was only ~12% of the ESPEN recommended guidelines of 1.5 g/kg/d. Given the known importance of nutrition for muscle mass maintenance, innovative dietary interventions are needed in the immediate post-operative period, accounting for specific patient dietary preference to maximise compliance (e.g., soft-textured foods).

Citation

Hardy, E. J., Deane, C. S., Lund, J. N., & Phillips, B. E. (2023). Loss of muscle mass in the immediate post-operative period is associated with inadequate dietary protein and energy intake. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 77, 503-505. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-023-01264-0

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 12, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 26, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Deposit Date: Jan 31, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 2, 2023
• Journal: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• Print ISSN: 0954-3007
• Electronic ISSN: 1476-5640
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 77
• Pages: 503-505
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-023-01264-0
• Keywords: Nutrition and Dietetics; Medicine (miscellaneous)
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/16506519
• Publisher URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-023-01264-0