Effectiveness of nutritional intervention in improving the nutritional status of patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy

Background Malnutrition and muscle loss are common in gastric cancer (GC), adversely affecting recovery and treatment outcomes. This study evaluated the effects of individualized nutritional intervention on postoperative nutritional status in GC patients after gastrectomy. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Thai Binh General Hospital, Vietnam (October 2021–March 2024). A total of 102 GC patients were assigned to either an intervention group (n = 52) receiving individualized nutrition care based on ESPEN and ASPEN guidelines or a control group (n = 50) receiving standard hospital diets. Nutritional indicators including body weight, BMI, body composition, mid–upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold (TSF), and PG-SGA scores were assessed preoperatively (T0) and three months postoperatively (T4). Results After three months, the intervention group showed significant improvements in body weight (+1.0 ± 3.1 vs. −0.34 ± 1.3 kg, P = 0.006), BMI (+0.4 ± 1.15 vs. −0.1 ± 0.6 kg/m 2 , P = 0.003), and muscle mass (+1.2 ± 1.6 vs. −0.15 ± 1.2 kg, P < 0.001). MUAC and TSF also increased ( P < 0.001). The prevalence of BMI-defined malnutrition decreased from 28.8% to 13.5% ( P = 0.014), and PG-SGA B/C classifications declined from 78.8% to 40.4% ( P = 0.003). The intervention group had a shorter hospital stay (10.2 ± 1.8 vs. 11.8 ± 2.0 days, P < 0.001). Conclusions Individualized nutritional intervention significantly improved postoperative nutritional status, preserved muscle mass, and reduced malnutrition among GC patients.