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

Katherine L. Ford, Jann Arends, Philip J. Atherton, Mariëlle P.K.J. Engelen, Thiago J.M. Gonçalves, Alessandro Laviano, Dileep N. Lobo, Stuart M. Phillips, Paula Ravasco, Nicolaas E.P. Deutz, Carla M. Prado

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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 composition that offers superior anabolic potential, compared to plant-derived proteins. Thus, animal-based foods should represent the majority (i.e., ≥65%) of protein intake during active cancer treatment. A diet rich in plant-derived proteins may support muscle anabolism in cancer, albeit requiring a larger quantity of protein to fulfill the optimal amino acid intake. We caution that translating dietary recommendations for cancer prevention to cancer treatment may be inadequate to support the pro-inflammatory and catabolic nature of the disease. We further caution against initiating an exclusively plant-based (i.e., vegan) diet upon a diagnosis of cancer, given the presence of elevated protein requirements and risk of inadequate protein intake to support muscle anabolism. Amino acid combination and the long-term sustainability of a dietary pattern void of animal-based foods requires careful and laborious management of protein intake for patients with cancer. Ultimately, a dietary amino acid composition that promotes muscle anabolism is optimally obtained through combination of animal- and plant-based protein sources.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)192-201
Number of pages10
JournalClinical Nutrition
Volume41
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Anabolism
  • Animal protein
  • Cancer
  • Muscle
  • Plant protein
  • Protein source

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