Nutritional status and dietary intake play vital roles in the treatment outcomes and quality of life of patients with cancer. The present study investigated the 24‑h dietary intake patterns of patients with ovarian cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The present cross‑sectional study enrolled 125 patients aged ≥18 years and the analysis was performed using the patient‑generated subjective global assessment tool alongside anthropometric measurements. Dietary data were collected through 24‑h dietary recall interviews, and intake levels of energy, macro‑ and micronutrient intake were compared against recommended dietary allowances. The mean daily energy intake was 1,433.3±488.5 kcal, with only 38.4% of participants meeting the recommended energy requirements. The macronutrient distribution comprised 17.9% protein, 23.0% lipids and 59.1% carbohydrates. The mean protein intake was 65.6±35.0 g/day. All the participants (100%) exhibited suboptimal animal‑to‑total protein ratios, while 93% of the participants exhibited an inadequate plant‑to‑total lipid ratios compared with the dietary guidelines. On the whole, the findings of the present study revealed that the majority of the patients with ovarian cancer failed to achieve the recommended dietary requirements for both energy and protein intake. Moreover, marked imbalances were observed between animal and plant‑based food sources. These results highlight the critical importance of implementing systematic nutritional assessment and counseling as essential components of supportive care for patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

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