The importance of protein sources to support muscle anabolism in cancer: an expert group opinion

This opinion paper presents a short review of the potential impact of protein on muscle anabolism in cancer, which is associated with better patient outcomes. Protein source is a topic of interest for patients and clinicians, partly due to recent emphasis on the supposed non-beneficial effect of proteins; therefore, misconceptions involving animal-based (e.g., meat, fish, dairy) and plant-based (e.g., legumes) proteins in cancer are acknowledged and addressed. Although the optimal dietary amino acid composition to support muscle health in cancer is yet to be established, animal-based proteins have a more optimal composition that offers superior anabolic potential, compared to plant-derived proteins, which, should represent the majority (i.e., ≥65%) of protein intake during active cancer treatment.
Source: Clinical Nutrition - Category: Nutrition Authors: Tags: Opinion paper Source Type: research