Effects of Immunonutrition on Intestinal Microecology in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancers: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Gastrointestinal cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies globally, with postoperative malnutrition representing a substantial associated complication. Immunonutrition modulates patient immune and inflammatory responses through the pharmacological activity of supraphysiological doses. The intestinal microecology, comprising the gastrointestinal anatomy, endothelial secretions, and gut microbiota with its metabolic products, is fundamental for host defense against internal and external challenges. Consequently, it plays a crucial role in immunonutritional therapy for gastrointestinal cancers. In this review, we summarize changes in the intestinal microecology of patients with gastrointestinal tumor as reported in the recent literature, discuss the effects of various immunonutritional approaches on patients, and evaluate the benefits of perioperative supplementation. We also emphasize the clinical concept of effectively treating gastrointestinal cancers by regulating the intestinal microecology through immunonutritional supplements.