Sarcopenia and gastrointestinal cancer: nutritional approach focusing on curcumin supplementation

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by decreased strength, quantity and/or quality of skeletal muscle mass. When associated with cancer, it correlates with poorer clinical outcomes. Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, prevalent globally and in Brazil, are associated with a greater nutritional risk. Early detection and intervention for nutritional risks are critical in this population. Recent studies on turmeric/curcumin have demonstrated beneficial effects in cancer patients. Specifically, curcumin have shown promise in reducing muscle depletion, oxidative stress, and improving strength and fatigue, factors related to sarcopenia. This review aims to elu-cidate sarcopenia and sarcopenia secondary to cancer, emphasizing nutritional management and the role of curcumin supplementation. Effective cancer management, whether with or without sarcopenia, demands comprehensive public health strategies and multimodal interventions within healthcare institutions. Nutrition is pivotal across the cancer care journey, encompassing screening, guidance, and provision of nutrients that support maintaining or recovering body composition. Curcumin supplementation emerges as a potential ad-juvant to the standard cancer treatment and sarcopenia manage-ment. Nevertheless, further clinical studies are warranted to substan-tiate these findings.