Authors: (including presenting author): :
Leung WYI(1), Chan SYA(1), Yu MWV(2), Sit J(2), To KF(2), Wong KR(3), Chan KWH(3), Lam SY(1), Wong YM(1), Yuen KK(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Mary Hospital, (2)Department of Dietetics, Queen Mary Hospital, (3)Department of Speech Therapy, Queen Mary Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Calorie-dense jelly supplement
Keyword 2: :
Enhance nutrition & satisfaction
Keyword 3: :
Hospitalised cancer patients
Keyword 4: :
Palliative care patients
Keyword 5: :
Malnutrition
Introduction: :
Cancer patients commonly experience malnutrition and poor appetite due to disease- and treatment-related factors, leading to suboptimal oral intake and poorer health outcomes.
Objectives: :
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of high-calorie jelly supplement (Mintas Jello) in improving the nutritional status of hospitalized cancer and palliative care patients. The initiative was designed to enhance patient’s overall care experience.
Methodology: :
From June to September 2025, cancer patients admitted to Ward D2 at Queen Mary Hospital, who were on minced or higher texture level diets, were enrolled and provided calorie-dense jelly supplement (200kcal/day). The control group comprised similar patients admitted to Ward E1 receiving standard nutritional support. Patients were excluded based on predefined medical and dietary criteria. Dietitians assessed baseline and post-intervention caloric and protein intake, while patient’s satisfaction towards the supplement was measured via a six-question survey.
Result & Outcome: :
Data from 107 patients (86 intervention, 21 control) were analysed. At baseline, 97.2% of patients exhibited an energy intake deficit from their daily energy requirement, averaging a gap of 775.3kcal/day. Protein deficit was also observed in 83.2% of patients, averaging a gap of 24.5g/day. After intervention, 91.9% of patients in the intervention group demonstrated increased caloric intake, with an average energy gain of 391.2kcal/day (mean difference: 460.6kcal, 95% CI 302.4–618.9, p< 0.0001) — closing the energy gap by 50.46%. Even greater increments were observed in subgroups of patients receiving systemic therapy (+412.9kcal/day) and on palliative care (+432.5kcal/day) respectively. Protein intake also on average increased by 10.8g/day (mean difference: 14.5g, 95% CI 6.4–22.6, p=0.0006), despite the jelly containing no protein. Over 90% of surveyed patients reported the supplement improved appetite and overall satisfaction. No adverse events were observed. In conclusion, the introduction of high-calorie jelly supplements effectively increased energy intake among hospitalized cancer patients. Beyond the nutritional benefits, the supplement also appeared to positively influence patient’s morale and satisfaction, marking it a simple, acceptable, and promising adjunct in inpatient nutritional care.
