The present invention relates to methods and nutritional compositions for
the prevention and treatment of cachexia and anorexia. The methods of the
invention comprise administering a composition comprising effective
amounts of .omega.-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid,
stearidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid,
docosahexaenoic acid or mixtures thereof; of branched-chain amino acids
valine, leucine, isoleucine or mixtures thereof; with or without reduced
levels of tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan; and of antioxidant system
selected from the group comprising beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E,
selenium, or mixtures thereof.