Systematic review: Exploring the impact of nutrition on acute pain including cancer pain

Abstract

Author(s): S. Parthasarathy, P.R. Arthi, R. Preya, Mithun Varman, S. Balachandar and M. R. Suchitra*

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in overall health and well-being, with emerging evidence suggesting its influence on acute pain perception and management. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the existing literature on the relationship between nutrition and acute pain, covering various dietary factors such as macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary patterns. The analysis highlights the impact of essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and proteins, which possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Carbohydrates, particularly high-glycaemic index variants, are explored for their potential to modulate pain through neurotransmitter activity and energy provision, while high-fat diets are discussed for their potential to exacerbate pain via inflammatory processes. Micronutrients such as vitamin D and magnesium are noted for their role in reducing pain sensitivity through immunomodulatory and neuroregulatory mechanisms.

Dietary patterns, notably the Mediterranean and DASH diets, are also scrutinized for their potential analgesic effects, linked to their anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. These dietary approaches emphasize high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, which collectively contribute to reduced inflammation and improved pain outcomes.

Nutritional alterations present intriguing supplementary techniques for controlling acute pain in cancer patients. Research suggests that integrating omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant-rich foods, and particular amino acids such as arginine and glutamine can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially improving standard analgesic treatments. These therapies may dramatically enhance the quality of life for cancer patients experiencing acute discomfort.

The review further goes into the complex mechanisms underlying the nutritional modulation of acute pain, including the roles of neurotransmitter function, oxidative stress, neuronal plasticity, and the gut-brain axis. Despite promising preliminary findings, the current body of evidence predominantly focuses on chronic pain, necessitating further research through well-designed clinical trials targeting acute pain syndromes.

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