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Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation Improve Nutritional Status and Inflammatory Response in Patients With Lung Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Mingjin Cheng, Shengqiang Zhang, C. Ning, Qian-Lun Huo

Frontiers in Nutrition, 2021

60 participants · 33 citations

Abstract

Background and Aims: Clinical studies have reported positive results with omega-3 supplements in patients with cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in improving the nutritional status and inflammatory markers of patients with lung cancer. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, parallel design trial, 60 patients with lung cancer at nutritional status/risk based on the Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 were randomized to be allocated to two study groups, receiving omega-3 fatty acid supplements [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 1.6 g and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 0.8 g] or placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements [weight, body mass index (BMI), the circumference of the upper arm, and skinfold thickness of triceps], nutrition-based laboratory indices (hemoglobin, albumin, triglyceride, and cholesterol), and inflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)] were measured before and after the intervention as study outcomes. Results: No significant difference between the two study groups was observed regarding basic characteristics and study outcomes. Compared with placebo group, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation group showed significant higher weight (66.71 ± 9.17 vs. 61.33 ± 8.03, p = 0.021), albumin (4.74 ± 0.80 vs. 4.21 ± 0.77, p = 0.013), and triglyceride (130.90 ± 25.17 vs. 119.07 ± 14.44, p = 0.032). Inflammatory markers were significantly reduced in omega-3…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 participants or records.

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