Oncology

High-quality protein supplementation plays a crucial role in supporting the nutritional needs and overall well-being of cancer patients.

Oncology

High-quality protein supplementation plays a crucial role in supporting the nutritional needs and overall well-being of cancer patients. Cancer and its treatments can have a significant impact on the body, leading to various challenges such as weight loss, muscle wasting, weakened immune system, and impaired wound healing. Adequate protein intake becomes essential to address these issues and support the patient's recovery and quality of life.

Here are some key reasons why high-quality protein supplementation is important for cancer patients:

Muscle preservation : Cancer and certain cancer treatments can cause muscle wasting or cachexia, leading to weakness, fatigue, and reduced physical function. Protein supplementation, particularly with high-quality proteins rich in essential amino acids, helps preserve muscle mass and promote muscle protein synthesis. This can improve strength, enhance physical performance, and support overall mobility and independence.
Enhanced immune function: Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections and complications. Whey protein isolate contains bioactive peptides and immunoglobulins that can support immune function. These components may help boost the body's defenses, enhance immune response, and reduce the risk of infections during chemotherapy treatment.
Wound healing and tissue repair: Cancer patients may experience delayed wound healing, particularly after surgeries or procedures. Protein is essential for wound healing and tissue repair processes. High-quality proteins provide the necessary amino acids to support collagen production, promote tissue regeneration, and facilitate the healing process.
Nutritional support and weight management: Chemotherapy often comes with side effects that impact appetite, taste, and overall nutritional intake. Whey protein isolate supplementation can provide a convenient and palatable way to meet protein needs when appetite is diminished or when patients have difficulty consuming regular meals. It can help ensure an adequate nutrient intake and prevent malnutrition or unintentional weight loss, thereby supporting overall nutritional status.
Improved recovery and wound healing: Chemotherapy can slow down the healing process and impair wound healing. The amino acids in whey protein isolate, such as arginine and glutamine, have been shown to support tissue repair and wound healing. These amino acids promote collagen synthesis, enhance immune function, and contribute to the restoration of damaged tissues, aiding in the recovery process.
Quality of life: Proper nutrition and adequate protein intake are crucial for maintaining a good quality of life during cancer treatment. High-quality protein supplementation can help improve energy levels, preserve muscle strength, support mental well-being, and enhance overall nutritional status. This, in turn, may positively impact treatment tolerance, enhance recovery, and improve the patient's overall quality of life.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can offer several benefits to cancer patients. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat found in certain foods and supplements, with the most common forms being eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Here are some key advantages of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for cancer patients:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Omega-3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Chronic inflammation is often associated with cancer development and progression. Omega-3 supplementation can help modulate inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers and minimizing inflammation-related symptoms experienced by cancer patients.
Supportive effect during treatment: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause side effects like fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown potential in alleviating these treatment-related symptoms. They can help improve appetite, maintain or restore weight, and reduce fatigue, thereby supporting overall treatment tolerance and quality of life.
Cardiovascular health: Some cancer treatments, such as certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy, may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Omega-3 fatty acids have cardiovascular benefits, including reducing triglyceride levels, improving blood vessel function, and reducing the risk of heart disease. By supporting cardiovascular health, omega-3 supplementation can be especially beneficial for cancer patients at higher risk of cardiovascular complications.
Immune system support: A well-functioning immune system is crucial for cancer patients. Omega-3 fatty acids have immunomodulatory properties and can help regulate immune responses. They can enhance immune cell function, support the production of protective antibodies, and improve overall immune system function. This can potentially enhance the body's ability to fight cancer cells and reduce the risk of infections during treatment.
Psychological well-being: Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant emotional impact on patients, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with improved mental health outcomes. They may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and contribute to better overall psychological well-being in cancer patients.

It is important for cancer patients to consult with their healthcare team, including registered dietitians, to determine their individual protein and nutritional needs and choose the most appropriate high-quality protein supplements. The healthcare team can provide guidance on the timing, dosage, and selection of supplements tailored to the patient's specific nutritional requirements and treatment plan.

Disadvantages of Antioxidants use during Chemo-Radiation therapy

Nutritional supplements which contain antioxidants, could potentially counteract the effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Evidence from experimental and human clinical studies caution against antioxidant use during chemo-radiation therapies.5

Increased risk of mortality and worsened recurrence-free survival with Concurrent antioxidant use with chemotherapy or radiation therapy among women with breast cancer (n=2223) [AJCN].5

AKRIVIZ

AKRIVIZ is the only nutritional supplement developed “Specifically for patients undergoing Chemo-Radiation therapy”

Research based nutritional blend
Clinically beneficial doses
No Antioxidants
No added Carbs/sugar

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

1) Take 150 ml of water in container (AKRIVIZ can be mixed with either hot or cold water, it is recommended to use boiled and cooled water).
2) Take 25 g of AKRIVIZ in the measuring scoop and add it to 150 ml of water and mix well until completely dissolved.
3) It is recommended to consume the feed immediately after reconstitution. Remaining feed, if any should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
4) Recommended usage: 2 servings/day or as recommended by a physician or other health care professional.
5) Suitable for tube feeding.
6) Use as recommended the Health Care Professional

Reference : Formulation Patent Pending 1.Cereda E, et al. Cancer Med. 2019;8:6923–6932. 2. ESPEN - Arends et al. / Clinical Nutrition xxx (2016) 1e38.3. Freiats et al. Nutrients 2019, 11, 945.4.Weber et al. doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2019.06.026. 5.Jung AY, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2019;109:69–78.