Clinical Nutrition and Therapeutic Applications of EPA and DHA
Critical care and surgical nutrition represent important application areas where EPA and DHA demonstrate significant benefits. Enteral and parenteral nutrition formulations containing omega-3s are used to modulate inflammatory responses in critically ill patients, particularly those with sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or major trauma. The anti-inflammatory properties of EPA are especially valuable in these settings, where excessive inflammation can contribute to organ dysfunction. Clinical guidelines in many countries now recommend omega-3 inclusion in nutritional support for specific critical care populations based on outcome improvements.
Oncology nutrition has emerged as another significant application area for EPA and DHA. Cancer cachexia, characterized by progressive weight loss and muscle wasting, affects many cancer patients and negatively impacts treatment outcomes and quality of life. EPA has shown promise in counteracting the metabolic changes driving cachexia, leading to the development of specialized nutritional products for cancer patients. Additionally, omega-3s may help manage cancer-related inflammation and support nutritional status during treatment, though applications in this area continue to evolve based on ongoing research.