Protocol · Metabolic Health
Cachexia Supportive Care Protocol
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA) and Protein/Amino Acids are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Cachexia Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA) | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA+DHA daily (EPA-predominant formula) | EPA reduces inflammatory cytokines driving muscle wasting; most studied intervention for cancer cachexia; may preserve lean mass | Not graded yet | ||
| Protein/Amino Acids | Amount listed: 1.5–2.0 g/kg body weight daily; high-leucine sources preferred | Essential for maintaining muscle mass; leucine-rich protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) | Amount listed: 3 g daily in divided doses | Leucine metabolite; reduces muscle protein breakdown; studied for preserving lean mass in wasting conditions | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (higher if deficient) | Supports muscle function; deficiency common in cachexia and worsens muscle weakness | Not graded yet | ||
| L-Carnitine | Amount listed: 2–4 g daily | Supports energy metabolism; may reduce fatigue and improve quality of life in cachexia | Not graded yet | ||
| Creatine | Amount listed: 3–5 g daily | May help preserve muscle mass and strength; enhances effects of resistance exercise | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Supports appetite and taste; deficiency common in cachexia; may improve food intake | Not graded yet | ||
| Ginger | Amount listed: 1–2 g daily | May help with nausea and appetite; anti-inflammatory properties | Not graded yet | ||
| Oral Nutritional Supplements | Amount listed: 1–2 servings daily between meals (400–600 kcal) | Energy-dense liquid supplements increase caloric intake when eating is difficult | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Cachexia. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
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:
- Appetite stimulants (megestrol acetate, corticosteroids)
- Treating underlying disease
- Addressing nausea, pain, depression that reduce intake
- Exercise when possible (resistance training preserves muscle)
- Anti-inflammatory approaches
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.