A new meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition provides compelling evidence that higher protein intake is essential for cancer recovery. According to the study, nearly 85% of cancer patients experience malnutrition, which increases infection risk, reduces treatment tolerance, prolongs hospital stays, and contributes to about 20% of cancer-related deaths.
Across 29 randomized controlled trials, researchers found that patients receiving high-protein oral nutritional supplements (just 35 g of extra protein per day) experienced remarkable benefits:
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38% fewer complications,
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101 complications prevented per 1,000 patients,
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1 major complication avoided for every 12 patients treated,
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and shorter hospital stays.
Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, supporting immune defenses, and improving resilience during chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. The study also showed that starting a high-protein protocol before and during treatment significantly reduced post-operative and treatment-related complications. Even short-term protein support around surgery made a measurable difference.
These findings mirror exactly what I see in my own practice. Clients who consistently consume high-quality protein experience better strength, faster recovery, fewer complications, and greater tolerance to treatment. Many share that they notice a clear difference compared to other patients in hospital settings who are not supported nutritionally. Several oncologists working with my clients have expressed strong approval of this approach, noting visible improvements in patient outcomes when protein intake is optimized.
The takeaway is clear: targeted protein support is not simply nutrition, it is evidence-based cancer care. Higher protein intake, with or without omega-3 enrichment, improves recovery outcomes and may be one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in oncology nutrition.
Read the article here: https://https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1654637/fulna01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
By Mauro Simonetti ND
