Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Marine protein, derived from sources such as fish, shellfish, and marine algae, is scientifically validated as a nutritional intervention for wasting, a condition characterized by severe loss of muscle and fat tissue. Wasting occurs in various contexts, such as chronic illness (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer, chronic kidney disease) and malnutrition. Protein-energy malnutrition is a hallmark of wasting, and adequate protein intake is critical for preventing or reversing muscle breakdown.

Marine proteins are considered high-quality complete proteins, containing all essential amino acids required for human health. Clinical studies and nutritional guidelines recommend increasing protein intake for individuals experiencing wasting, and fish or marine protein sources are often included due to their high biological value and digestibility. Omega-3 fatty acids, frequently present in marine protein sources, may also help reduce inflammation and promote muscle protein synthesis, further supporting their use in wasting.

While there is strong evidence for the role of dietary protein in general in addressing wasting, specific high-quality studies investigating marine protein exclusively as opposed to other protein sources are limited. Nonetheless, marine protein is widely used in clinical nutrition and recommended by dietitians as part of a protein-rich diet for managing wasting. Thus, the scientific evidence supports its use, but the evidence base is not exclusive to marine proteins and is not the highest possible level of specificity or rigor.

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