Intensive individualized nutritional counseling requires nutrition professionals with specific
experience in oncology. If the patient is unable to achieve his or her nutritional requirements via
regular foods, nutritional supplements may be prescribed, the composition of which is based on
detection of dietary deficits as well as a detailed intake questionnaire. Any nutritional intervention
must be based on the need for an adequate intake and also must take into consideration other
relevant factors such as digestive and absorptive capacity, the need for alleviation or arrest of
symptoms, and any psychological issues.