Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA)

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 21, 2026

Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) – Cancer Cachexia

Suggested2 studies

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may help stabilize weight in cancer cachexia patients

Two randomized controlled trials examined omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in cancer cachexia patients. One pragmatic RCT evaluated oral EPA supplementation across a mixed advanced solid tumour population, assessing quality of life and survival outcomes. A second double-blind RCT enrolled 60 pancreatic cancer patients with cachexia, randomizing them to fish oil or marine phospholipid supplementation at 0.3 g n-3 fatty acids daily for six weeks. Among the 31 protocol completers, both groups achieved weight stabilization and appetite improvement, with plasma fatty acid analysis confirming successful n-3 incorporation. Notably, weight stabilization occurred at just 0.3 g/day, well below the previously established 1.5 g/day threshold from fish oil. Dosages as low as 0.3 g/day of n-3 fatty acids appear sufficient to counteract cachexia-related weight loss, though the evidence base remains limited to two moderate-quality RCTs with small sample sizes.

Evidence

Dietary supplementation with n-3-fatty acids in patients with pancreatic cancer and cachexia: marine phospholipids versus fish oil - a randomized controlled double-blind trial

Authors: Hopt, Ulrich T., Keck, Tobias, Küllenberg de Gaudry, Daniela, Massing, Ulrich, Taylor, Lenka A., Unger, Clemens, Werner, Kristin

Published: January 1, 2017

This double-blind RCT enrolled 60 pancreatic cancer patients suffering from cachexia and randomized them to fish oil or marine phospholipid supplementation at 0.3 g n-3 fatty acids per day for six weeks. Among the 31 patients who completed the protocol, both groups demonstrated weight stabilization and appetite improvement. Quality of life was assessed using validated instruments (EORTC-QLQ-C30 and PAN26 questionnaires). Plasma fatty acid analysis confirmed successful incorporation of n-3 fatty acids in both groups with identical profile changes. The study referenced prior evidence that a minimum daily intake of 1.5 g n-3 fatty acids from fish oil contributes to weight stabilization in cancer patients, while this trial achieved comparable results at only 0.3 g/day.

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Randomised controlled trial of fish oil supplement to treat cancer cachexia

Authors: Baughan, C, Dean, Taraneh, Dewey, Ann, Higgins, Bernard Robert, Kilburn, Sally Anne, Stores, Rebecca Jane

Published: April 24, 2015

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial evaluated an oral nutritional supplement containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in patients with advanced solid tumour cancer across a mixed tumour type population. The trial assessed whether EPA supplementation could improve quality of life and survival times compared to control in patients suffering from cancer cachexia, a complex syndrome of extreme weight loss associated with shorter survival. The RCT design with a mixed tumour population provides moderate-quality evidence for the potential role of omega-3 EPA supplementation as a supportive measure in cancer cachexia management.

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