In cancer care, nutrition plays a crucial role. However, despite supplementing with various nutrients, many patients find little improvement in their condition. One commonly overlooked reason is malabsorption—the body’s inability to effectively absorb nutrients from food or supplements.

Why Are Cancer Patients Prone to Malabsorption?

Cancer itself, along with treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and long-term medication use, can significantly impact the digestive system. This leads to:

• Damaged gastrointestinal lining, reducing nutrient uptake
• Lower digestive enzyme secretion, such as reduced pancreatic function
• Imbalanced gut microbiota, impairing immune and metabolic functions
• Appetite loss or restricted diets, leading to a lack of stomach acid or bile needed for digestion

The Role of Personalized Nutrition Plans

Since each patient’s condition, treatment course, and recovery pace differ, a personalized nutrition strategy becomes essential. It’s not just about what to eat, but how well the body can absorb and use it.

Key elements include:

• Testing absorption and metabolic capacity, such as serum albumin, vitamin levels, and trace elements
• Using functional testing tools like RGCC Onconomics Plus, which evaluates how a patient’s cancer cells respond to various nutrients and natural compounds—offering a personalized guide for nutritional planning
• Improving gut health, with approaches like probiotics, prebiotics, and butyrate supplementation
• Choosing bioavailable nutrient forms, such as liposomal delivery, liquid formulas, or micronized supplements

Practical Example: Making Nutrition Targeted and Effective

Some patients, after undergoing Onconomics Plus testing, discover that compounds like resveratrol, selenium, or herbal extracts show favorable cellular responses. These insights help tailor a more focused and potentially effective nutritional strategy, supporting overall well-being during cancer recovery.

Final Thoughts

In cancer care, being able to eat doesn’t necessarily mean you’re nourishing the body properly. By assessing and addressing malabsorption issues, and applying science-based personalization, nutrition can become a much more powerful tool in recovery. If you or a loved one is navigating cancer treatment, it might be time to look beyond basic nutrition—and explore whether you’re truly absorbing what you need.

References

1. Arends, J., et al. (2017). ESPEN guidelines on nutrition in cancer patients. Clinical Nutrition, 36(1), 11–48.
2. Laviano, A., et al. (2005). Nutrition support in cancer patients. Nutrition Journal, 4(1), 11.
3. Nicolson, G.L. (2005). Lipid Replacement Therapy: A functional medicine approach. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 11(3), 30–35.
4. RGCC Group. Onconomics Plus Test Overview. Accessed 2025.
5. Gonzalez, M.J., et al. (2014). The role of mitochondrial function and personalized nutrition in cancer management. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 13(5), 409–416.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. ALWAYS CONSULT ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION OR MEDICAL PROBLEM THAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. The content of this article is not intended to recommend any specific test, treatment, or medication and should not be construed as such. If you develop symptoms or require medical assistance, please contact a healthcare professional promptly.