The Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Postoperative Recovery of Colorectal Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Background: China is currently developing standards for Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) targeting for oncology patients. However, substantial challenges remain in defining optimal fortification levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs). Accumulating evidence suggests that ω-3 PUFA intake improves postoperative prognosis by modulating oncological parameters in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ω-3 PUFA supplementation in enhancing postoperative safety and recovery stability following CRC surgery, to address critical gaps in nutritional interventions for optimizing clinical outcomes. These findings are expected to FSMP standard development, clinical nutrition protocols and product innovation. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, across major databases until June 16, 2025. Data were analyzed using RevMan v5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration). Results: Thirty-four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 2889) were included. Compared to controls, the ω-3 PUFAs group showed significantly increased levels of nutritional markers: total protein (p < 0.00001), albumin (p = 0.001); immunological parameters: CD3+/CD4+/CD8+ T-cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio (all p < 0.0001); Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores (p = 0.04); and serum ω-3 PUFA concentrations (p = 0.0004). Significant reductions were observed in inflammatory markers, such as procalcitonin,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,889 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- eggNOG 5.0: a hierarchical, functionally and phylogenetically annotated orthology resource based on 5090 organisms and 2502 viruses
- Online Survival Analysis Software to Assess the Prognostic Value of Biomarkers Using Transcriptomic Data in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
- OptiType: precision HLA typing from next-generation sequencing data
- Nicotinic Cholinergic System and COVID-19: In Silico Identification of an Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Nicotinic Receptors with Potential Therapeutic Targeting Implications
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells have three Omega class glutathione S-transferases acting as 1-Cys thiol transferases
- Hemolysis at low blood flow rates: in-vitro and in-silico evaluation of a centrifugal blood pump
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.