Efficacy of EPA-enriched supplement compared with standard formula on body weight changes in malnourished patients with head and neck cancer undergone surgery: a randomized study.

BACKGROUND

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) containing nutritional supplement can reverse weight loss and increase lean body mass in a perioperative period of patients with head and neck cancer. To study effects of an EPA-enriched supplement compared with a conventional supplement in malnourished patients with head and neck cancer following surgery is primary objective.

METHODS

The patients were randomized into EPA-enriched and standard formula group. The supplements were prescribed 7 days preoperative through 14 days postoperative. Body weight and composition including serum parameters were measured from 7 days preoperative until 4 months postoperative. The hospitalized courses were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients in each group consumed EPA-enriched and standard formula supplements. There was no significant body weight or composition changes perioperative. No significant differences in the hospitalized days and postoperative complications was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Body weight changes in malnourished patients with head and neck cancer following surgery were not influenced by EPA additives to perioperative nutritional supplements.