GI Cancer-Related Cachexia May Be Managed With Certain Dietary Supplements

Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer have a significant risk for developing cancer cachexia due to impaired nutrient absorption and digestion. But certain dietary supplements may prevent progression of cachexia in these patients, according to results of a literature review and analysis of studies on supplement use published in the journal Nutrients.

Cancer cachexia is a multiorgan syndrome that manifests as unintentional weight loss, sarcopenia, and systemic inflammation. Dietary supplements are widely available and relatively low-cost; therefore, researchers sought to review the evidence and effects of fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids), melatonin, probiotics, and green tea.

They conducted a literature search that identified 26 studies and analyzed the 4 dietary supplements for their ability to help manage symptoms of cancer cachexia. They noted that available clinical evidence is limited to small interventional or observational studies.

Of the 26 studies, 6 six clinical and 6 preclinical studies investigated fish oil use. Fish oil may help with weight maintenance in precachectic or cachectic patients with GI Cancer who have abnormal C-reactive protein or albumin levels. But because doses and trial lengths were different, the researchers were not able to define the ideal composition of fish oil over a particular time period.

Three clinical and 12 preclinical articles investigated probiotics. The researchers found probiotics decreased serum pro-inflammatory biomarkers and also seemed to alleviate some GI adverse effects associated with chemotherapy.

Nine studies — 4 clinical and 5 preclinical — investigated melatonin. It seemed to help with weight loss and reducing inflammation, and was well-tolerated with few adverse effects. However, the researchers noted inconsistent findings among the studies.

Ten studies reviewed green tea, none of which were clinical studies. Research suggests that regular green tea consumption may reduce the risk of different types of cancer but seems only marginally significant for some GI cancers. Currently, evidence on the benefits of green tea for patients with GI cancer is unclear.

“While more clinical trial evidence is warranted, healthcare providers and patients with GI cancer at risk of developing or having been diagnosed with cancer cachexia may consider integrating dietary supplements as part of a nutritional plan to reduce treatment-associated adverse effects and improve the quality of life,” the researchers concluded.

“The evidence demonstrated the support for using fish oil, melatonin, and specific probiotics. The clinical benefit of green tea preparations is limited; however, potential benefits need further evaluation, since they are commonly available to community members.”

Reference

Yoon SL, Grundmann O. Relevance of dietary supplement use in gastrointestinal-cancer-associated cachexia. Nutrients. 2023;15(15):3391. doi:10.3390/nu15153391