Probiotics are live microorganisms capable of colonizing the intestinal tract, altering the microflora, and exerting a positive effect on the host. The mechanism by which probiotics exert positive effects remains to be elucidated.
Oral nutritional interventions involve the provision of dietary advice or education with or without dietary modification or nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements included in this type of intervention are those involving general protein-calorie supplements and multiple combinations of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds. Specific herbal supplements and some highly specific supplements such as carnitine and individual vitamins are considered as separate interventions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims to restore balance in "Qi" or vital life energy thought to flow through channels in the body. TCM can include acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage, herbal remedies, and movement exercises and has been studies for effects on cancer and cancer-treatment related symptoms. Acustimulation, moxibustion, and some herbal medicine are considered as separate interventions.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid, distinguished from other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by its specific chemical configuration. Bluefish, swordfish, salmon, and mackerel are rich in EPA. EPA has been studied in anorexia, and omega 3 fatty acid supplementation has been evaluated for its effect in fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, diarrhea, and prevention of infection.