Cachexia
Cachexia involves extreme weight loss and muscle wasting in response to the body fighting a disease such as cancer, HIV, aids, heart failure, COPD, chronic kidney disease, or autoimmune condition. A loss of more than 5% of one’s body weight in 12 months is considered cachexia.
Quick Answer
What it is
Cachexia involves extreme weight loss and muscle wasting in response to the body fighting a disease such as cancer, HIV, aids, heart failure, COPD, chronic kidney disease, or autoimmune condition. A loss of more than 5% of one’s body weight in 12 months is considered cachexia.
Key findings
- Grade C: Appetite (Cannabis)
- Grade D: Muscle Wasting Prevention (Valine)
- Grade N/A: Quality of Life (Cannabis)
Safety
No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.
ℹ️ Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Cachexia
- Supplements Studied:1
- Research Trials:2
- Total Participants:188
- Top Supplement:Cannabis (C)
Evidence-Based Protocol
Supplement stack ranked by research quality
Primary Stack (Tier 1)
EPA reduces inflammatory cytokines driving muscle wasting; most studied intervention for cancer cachexia; may preserve lean mass
Essential for maintaining muscle mass; leucine-rich protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis
Supporting Stack (Tier 2)
Leucine metabolite; reduces muscle protein breakdown; studied for preserving lean mass in wasting conditions
Supports muscle function; deficiency common in cachexia and worsens muscle weakness
Supports energy metabolism; may reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in cachexia
May help preserve muscle mass and strength; enhances effects of resistance exercise
Supports appetite and taste; deficiency common in cachexia; may improve food intake
May help with nausea and appetite; anti-inflammatory properties
Energy-dense liquid supplements increase caloric intake when eating is difficult
How It Works
Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by severe, unintentional weight loss, muscle wasting (sarcopenia), and weakness. It's most commonly associated with cancer but also occurs with heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions. Unlike simple starvation, cachexia involves inflammatory processes that drive muscle breakdown even when nutrition is adequate.
CRITICAL: Cachexia requires medical management by a multidisciplinary team. Nutritional support alone cannot fully reverse cachexia because of the underlying metabolic changes.
MEDICAL TREATMENTS may include:
* Omega-3 Fatty Acids (especially EPA) are the most studied supplements for cachexia. EPA reduces inflammatory cytokines (like IL-6, TNF-alpha) that drive muscle wasting. Multiple studies show benefit in preserving lean mass.
* Protein supplementation is essential. High-protein, leucine-rich nutrition supports muscle protein synthesis. Aim for 1.5-2.0g/kg body weight daily.
* HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) is a leucine metabolite that reduces muscle protein breakdown. Studies show it helps preserve lean mass.
* L-Carnitine may help with the fatigue that accompanies cachexia.
* Oral nutritional supplements (like Ensure, Boost, or specialized cancer formulas) add calories and protein when eating regular food is difficult.
Expected timeline: Cachexia is difficult to reverse. Goals are often to stabilize weight, preserve function, and improve quality of life rather than complete reversal.
Supplements for Cachexia
Sorted by strength of evidence
Detailed Outcomes
Research Citations (100)
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