Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating condition that persists for years into survivorship. Studies evaluating both fish oil supplementation on fatigue and associations between fish oil consumption and fatigue have shown mixed effects; it is unknown what factors contribute to these differential effects. Herein, we investigate whether the nutritional status of cancer survivors was associated with serum omega-3 concentration or change in serum omega-3s throughout a fish oil supplementation study, and then if any of these factors were associated with fatigue. Breast cancer survivors 4–36 months post-treatment with moderate-severe fatigue were randomized to take 6 g fish oil, 6 g soybean oil, or 3 g of each daily for 6 weeks. Baseline nutritional status was calculated using the Controlling Nutritional Status tool (serum albumin, lymphocytes, cholesterol). At baseline and post-intervention, serum fatty acids were quantified and fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory. Participants (n = 85) were 61.2 ± 9.7 years old with a body mass index of 31.9 ± 6.7 kg/m2; 69% had a good nutritional score and 31% had light-moderate malnutrition. Those with good nutritional status had greater total serum omega-3s at baseline (p = 0.013) and a greater increase in serum omega-3s with supplementation (p = 0.003). Among those who were supplemented with fish oil, greater increases in serum omega-3s were associated with greater improvements in fatigue. In conclusion, good nutritional status may increase uptake of fatty acid supplements, increasing their ability to improve fatigue.
Highlights
Introduction conditions of the Creative CommonsCancer-related fatigue affects approximately half of patients with cancer, with greater prevalence in those who undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment [1,2,3]
The goal of this study was to investigate whether nutritional status was associated with uptake of the fatty acids or the associations between serum omega-3 concentration and fatigue
Center (URCC) National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Research Base to assess the effects of fish vs. soybean oil on persistent cancerrelated fatigue
Summary
Cancer-related fatigue affects approximately half of patients with cancer, with greater prevalence in those who undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment [1,2,3]. Fatigue is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects. Cancer-related fatigue cannot be relieved by sleep or rest, it can impair the ability to perform activities of daily living, and it can reduce quality of life [5,6]. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of cancer-related fatigue, thereby preventing the development of effective preventive strategies and treatments [7]. It has been suggested that nutritional interventions such as a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish may improve cancer-related fatigue [8,9]. Malnutrition— low recent protein intake [10] and low plasma glutamine [11]—
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