Impact of Immunonutrition on Nutritional Status in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Colorectal cancer is among the top three types of cancer that are most common and causes death worldwide.Nutritional support is widely used in elective colorectal surgery patients, as nutritional status is an important factor affecting clinical outcomes. European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN, 2016) emphasizes that nutritional supplementation with compounds such as amino acids, arginine, glutamine, and fish oil (omega 3) improves postoperative recovery.
Glutamine; it becomes an essential amino acid under stress. It is an energy substrate for cells such as intestinal mucosal cells and lymphocytes, a material for glutathione synthesis, and a potent antioxidant, which also increases heat shock protein expression. In stressful conditions, arginine is the primary fuel source for T cells and is required for nitric oxide synthesis; therefore, it helps maintain immune function. Omega 3; It plays a role in the treatment of inflammation and improves wound healing. In addition, EPA and DHA increase the immune response by improving lymphocyte function. RNA; They are essential for maturation, proliferation, and function in nearly all biochemical processes, in rapidly proliferating cells such as T cells. studies have shown that immunonutrition (IMN) formulas enriched with biologically active compounds may be more effective in reducing infection complications and shortening postoperative hospital stays.
This study aimed to investigate the additional effects of perioperative compared with preoperative immunonutrition on anthropometric, nutritional, and biochemical parameters, complications, and the length of hospital stay in patients with colorectal cancer.