Researchers tested whether a fish oil supplement called EPA could help people with advanced head and neck cancer maintain their strength and nutrition during treatment. In this carefully controlled study, some patients received the fish oil supplement while others received a fake pill, and neither group knew which they were getting. The researchers wanted to see if EPA could help prevent the muscle loss and weight loss that often happens to cancer patients. This type of research is important because cancer treatments can make it hard for patients to eat well and stay nourished, and finding safe supplements that help could improve their quality of life during a difficult time.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a fish oil supplement (EPA) could help people with advanced head and neck cancer maintain their body weight, muscle, and overall nutrition during cancer treatment
  • Who participated: Adults with advanced head and neck cancer who were receiving cancer treatment. The exact number of participants wasn’t specified in the available information
  • Key finding: The study compared patients who took EPA supplements to those who took a placebo (fake pill) to see if EPA helped them maintain better nutrition and strength during treatment
  • What it means for you: If you or a loved one has head and neck cancer, this research suggests EPA supplements might be worth discussing with your cancer care team as a way to help maintain nutrition during treatment. However, more research is needed, and you should always talk to your doctor before starting any supplement

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of medical research. Researchers divided cancer patients into two groups: one group received EPA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil) and the other group received a placebo (a fake pill that looked identical). Neither the patients nor the researchers knew who was getting the real supplement and who was getting the fake one—this is called being “double-blind” and it helps prevent bias in the results.

The patients took their assigned supplement while undergoing treatment for their cancer. Researchers then measured things like body weight, muscle mass, and nutritional markers to see if the EPA group did better than the placebo group. This design is very reliable because it controls for the placebo effect (where people feel better just because they think they’re getting treatment) and other confusing factors.

Cancer patients, especially those with head and neck cancer, often lose weight and muscle during treatment because the cancer and the treatments affect their appetite and how their body uses food. This weight loss can make treatment harder and affect quality of life. Finding a safe, natural supplement that might help prevent this problem could be really valuable. A randomized controlled trial is the best way to test whether a supplement actually works because it’s designed to give us clear, trustworthy answers

This study was published in the Nutrition Journal, a peer-reviewed scientific publication, which means other experts reviewed the research before it was published. The double-blind, placebo-controlled design is a gold standard in medical research. However, the sample size (number of participants) was not specified in the available information, which makes it harder to assess how reliable the results might be. Larger studies generally give us more confidence in the findings

What the Results Show

The study examined whether EPA supplementation could help cancer patients maintain their nutritional status and body composition during treatment for advanced head and neck cancer. Researchers measured various nutritional markers and body composition changes in both the EPA group and the placebo group. The specific numerical results were not available in the provided information, but the research was designed to determine if patients taking EPA experienced better outcomes in maintaining weight, muscle mass, and overall nutritional health compared to those taking a placebo.

This type of research is particularly important because head and neck cancer treatments can significantly impact a patient’s ability to eat and maintain proper nutrition. The study aimed to provide evidence about whether a natural supplement could help counteract these negative effects.

Beyond the main nutritional measurements, researchers likely tracked other health markers related to how well patients tolerated their cancer treatment and their overall quality of life. These secondary outcomes help paint a fuller picture of whether EPA supplementation has broader benefits for cancer patients beyond just nutrition

Previous research has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids like EPA may have anti-inflammatory properties and could potentially help cancer patients maintain muscle mass. This study adds to that body of research by testing EPA specifically in patients with head and neck cancer using a rigorous, controlled design. The results help clarify whether the theoretical benefits of EPA translate into real, measurable improvements in cancer patients

The specific sample size was not provided in the available information, which is important because smaller studies are less reliable than larger ones. Without knowing how many patients participated, it’s harder to judge how confident we should be in the results. Additionally, the full results and detailed findings were not available in the abstract, so we cannot assess other potential limitations like how long patients were followed, whether they completed the study, or what side effects might have occurred

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, EPA supplementation appears to be worth discussing with your cancer care team if you have advanced head and neck cancer and are concerned about maintaining nutrition during treatment. However, this is preliminary evidence, and more research is needed. Confidence level: Moderate—this is one study, and larger studies would provide stronger evidence. Always consult with your oncologist or nutritionist before starting any supplement, as some supplements can interact with cancer treatments

This research is most relevant to people with advanced head and neck cancer who are undergoing treatment and their healthcare providers. It may also be of interest to cancer nutritionists and oncologists looking for ways to help patients maintain nutrition during treatment. People with other types of cancer should not assume these results apply to them without talking to their doctor. People without cancer should not use these findings as a reason to take EPA supplements without medical guidance

If EPA supplementation does help, benefits would likely develop gradually over weeks to months of consistent use during cancer treatment. This is not a quick fix—it’s meant to help prevent or slow down the nutritional decline that happens during cancer therapy. You would need to take it regularly as directed and work with your healthcare team to monitor whether it’s helping

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly body weight at the same time each day and record any changes in appetite, energy levels, and ability to eat normally. Also note any side effects from the supplement
  • If your doctor approves EPA supplementation, set a daily reminder to take it at the same time each day (such as with breakfast) to build a consistent habit. Use the app to log when you take it and note how you’re feeling
  • Create a weekly check-in where you record your weight, how well you’re eating, energy levels, and any side effects. Share this data with your healthcare team at your regular appointments to see if the supplement is helping you maintain nutrition during treatment

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have been diagnosed with cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, always consult with your oncologist, cancer nutritionist, or healthcare provider before starting any supplement, including EPA. Some supplements can interact with cancer medications or treatments. The findings from this single study should not be considered definitive proof that EPA will help your specific situation. Your healthcare team can help you determine whether EPA supplementation is appropriate for you based on your individual health status and treatment plan.