6 easy protein sources for cancer patients

Protein is an important building block for our bodies. It helps build tissue and muscle mass and keeps us healthy.

Protein is especially important for cancer patients because cancer treatment can be hard on the body. It can cause unwanted weight loss due to a decrease in muscle mass. This can make you frail and less responsive to treatment. That’s why optimizing your protein intake is important to help preserve muscle mass.

When you’re going through cancer treatment, it can be hard to get enough protein sometimes. This could be due to loss of appetite or nausea.

Here, nutrition support dietitian Amira Gerges shares healthy protein options for cancer patients.

Make sure you get enough protein

Protein needs vary from person to person. Your weight and health conditions affect how much protein you need to consume.

To calculate how much protein you need based on your weight, divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 to convert to kilograms. The average healthy person requires about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for maintenance. During cancer treatment, protein requirements can be 1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight or higher per day.

It's best to spread out your protein throughout the day. Aim to consume around 25 to 30 grams of protein at a time, so your body has time to use it. Try to consume protein with every meal to help preserve muscle mass throughout treatment.

Good protein options for cancer patients

There are a variety of options to ensure you’re receiving enough protein with each meal. Here are six good protein options.

Poultry

Fully cooked chicken is a great source of protein. 3 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards, of cooked dark or white meat chicken is around 21 grams of protein.

Seafood

Salmon, shrimp and cold-water fish are great sources of protein. Salmon is an especially good choice because it contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain and heart health. The average salmon filet is about 3.5 to 4 ounces and can contain 20 to 25 grams of protein. Try to limit tuna or any other high-mercury options to twice a week.

Nut butters

Almond butter and peanut butter make for easy, healthy snacks when paired with fruit or yogurt bowls. Nut butters like almond butter and peanut butter are good sources of protein and often contain 6 to 8 grams of protein per serving (2 tablespoons). These protein sources are ideal if you have any meat or dairy restrictions.

Eggs

Whether you like them scrambled or hard-boiled, eggs can be a good source of protein in the morning or on the go. The average egg contains 6 to 7 grams of protein.

Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great base for smoothies, or it can be enjoyed alone or with fruit and/or nuts. Plain Greek yogurt contains 14 to 18 grams of protein per serving.

Protein shakes

Protein shakes can be enjoyed ready to drink from the store, homemade or a mix of both. Ready-to-drink protein shakes are a great option if you are on the go, or you can use them as a base for a homemade protein shake. You can make your own shake using protein powders that fit your dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices.

• Plant-based protein powders: These often contain pea protein and brown rice, which must be used in combination for you to receive all of the amino acids. Soy-based protein powders are also an option if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.
• Whey protein powder: Whey is derived from dairy and can contain up to 50 grams of protein, depending on the brand.

Talk to a dietitian

Remember, protein needs vary from person to person. Speak with a dietitian to make sure you are receiving the right amount of protein for your needs.

If you’re an MD Anderson patient, ask your care team to refer you to one of our clinical dietitians to help you meet your specific protein needs.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.