Calories and cachexia.
OBJECTIVE
Anorexia and weight loss are associated with increased mortality in cachectic patients. The role of caloric supplementation is controversial. The purpose of this review is to examine the role of calorie supplementation in cachexia.


RESULTS
Caloric supplementation improves outcomes in malnourished hospital patients and malnourished older persons. It may improve the quality of life in cancer patients and for those persons receiving palliative care. Caloric supplementation should include a balanced essential amino acid supplement given at least twice a day. The role of eicosapentanoic acid as a supplement is controversial. All caloric supplements should be given between and not with meals.


CONCLUSIONS
Caloric supplementation rich in protein and with adequate vitamin D should be given between meals to all patients with cachexia.
Morley
John E
JE
GRECC, VA Medical Center and Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University, School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., M238, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. morley@slu.edu
D000368:Aged; D000601:Amino Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000855:Anorexia / Q000517:prevention & control; D002100:Cachexia / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D002149:Energy Intake; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000178:diet therapy; D010166:Palliative Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects
D000601:Amino Acids, Essential; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D014807:Vitamin D; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid