Rapid incorporation of ?-3 fatty acids into colonic tissue after oral supplementation in patients with colorectal cancer: a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial

Sorensen, L.S., Rasmussen, H.H., Aardestrup, I.V., Thorlacius-Ussing, O., Lindorff-Larsen, K., Schmidt, E.B. and Calder, P.C. (2014) Rapid incorporation of ?-3 fatty acids into colonic tissue after oral supplementation in patients with colorectal cancer: a randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 38 (5), 617-624. (doi:10.1177/0148607113491782). (PMID:23788002)

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to examine whether a preoperative supplement with ?-3 fatty acids (FAs) leads to their incorporation into colonic tissue in patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery. This would be of interest because ?-3 FAs have potential beneficial (local) immunological effects that might benefit these patients.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled, single-center intervention trial, patients referred for elective colorectal cancer surgery received either an ?-3 FA–enriched oral nutrition supplement (ONS) (200 mL twice daily) providing 2.0 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1.0 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day or a standard ONS for 7 days before surgery. Tissue samples from healthy colonic tissue (mucosa and muscular layer) were obtained during surgery, and tissue fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography.

Results: EPA was significantly higher in colonic mucosa (P = .001) and in the colonic muscular layer (P = .004) in the ?-3 FA group compared with controls. Patients in the ?-3 FA group also tended to have higher docosapentaenoic acid and DHA levels in colonic tissue.

Conclusions: EPA is incorporated rapidly into colonic mucosa and colonic muscular layer in patients given 3 g of ?-3 FA daily for 7 days before surgery for colorectal cancer. This may lead to potential beneficially effects on (local) immune function, which might benefit these patients.

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Contributors

Author: P.C. Calder

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