Background: China is currently developing standards for Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) targeting for oncology patients. However, substantial challenges remain in defining optimal fortification levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs). Accumulating evidence suggests that ω-3 PUFA intake improves postoperative prognosis by modulating oncological parameters in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ω-3 PUFA supplementation in enhancing postoperative safety and recovery stability following CRC surgery, to address critical gaps in nutritional interventions for optimizing clinical outcomes. These findings are expected to FSMP standard development, clinical nutrition protocols and product innovation. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, across major databases until June 16, 2025. Data were analyzed using RevMan v5.4 (Cochrane Collaboration). Results: Thirty-four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 2889) were included. Compared to controls, the ω-3 PUFAs group showed significantly increased levels of nutritional markers: total protein (p < 0.00001), albumin (p = 0.001); immunological parameters: CD3⁺/CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T-cells, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (all p < 0.0001); Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores (p = 0.04); and serum ω-3 PUFA concentrations (p = 0.0004). Significant reductions were observed in inflammatory markers, such as procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p = 0.004 to < 0.00001); and clinical outcomes, such as hospitalization duration (p < 0.00001), infectious complications (p < 0.00001), anastomotic leakage (p = 0.0005), surgical site infections (p = 0.03). No significant intergroup differences were detected for white blood cells, transcription factor activity, mortality, or crypt cell proliferation indices (p = 0.06–0.55). Conclusions: Overall, ω-3 PUFA supplementation significantly attenuates postoperative inflammation, enhances immune function, shortens hospitalization, and improves the quality of life in CRC patients, though without mortality benefit. Notably, post hoc dose–response analysis identified a supplementation range of 0.16–0.30 g/kg/day as a potentially optimal supplementation range for Chinese CRC populations, providing foundational evidence for clinical practice and FSMP standardization.

Natural compounds, including polysaccharides, alkaloids and polyphenols, have been shown to regulate immune responses within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These compounds achieve this by activating immune cells, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, and promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, they modulate both immunosuppressive and immunoactivated states in the TME by influencing the activity of mast cells (MCs). MCs, as early and persistent infiltrating cells, play a pivotal role in allergic diseases and participate in various physiological and pathological processes. Their functions are primarily mediated through angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and immunomodulation within the immune microenvironment. However, the role of MCs in tumorigenesis remains controversial. Depending on the tumor type, MCs exhibit remarkable plasticity and secrete a diverse array of signaling molecules that can significantly influence tumor progression. This review seeks to offer new insights into the role of MCs in tumorigenesis and development. Additionally, it explores the impact of natural compounds on the TME through MCs, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of cancer therapy. Ultimately, this research aims to provide a scientific foundation for the development of novel tumor treatment strategies and to advance cancer therapy.

Objective: To identify major sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption patterns among Chinese children and adolescents and examine their associations with childhood overweight/obesity. Methods: Data were drawn from the Chinese Food Consumption Survey (2017–2020), including 7979 children and adolescents. SSB intake was assessed using a non-consecutive 3-day 24 h dietary recall and classified into nine types. Principal component analysis identified SSB consumption patterns. Nutritional status was defined using BMI Z-scores, following the World Health Organization growth standards. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between SSB patterns and overweight/obesity, with subgroup analyses by sex, age, and residence area. Results: Three major SSB patterns were identified: (1) Carbonated Beverage and Milk Tea Pattern (dominated by carbonated beverages and milk tea); (2) Functional Beverages Pattern (dominated by coffee beverages and sports beverages); and (3) Plant Hybrid Pattern (dominated by plant protein beverages and plant-based beverages). Preschool-aged children exhibited lower scores across all three patterns. Higher pattern scores were observed among school-aged children and adolescents and those with lower parental education levels, parents working as unskilled labor or homemakers, lower family annual income per capita, and residence in rural areas. All three identified SSB consumption patterns demonstrated significant positive associations with overweight/obesity in children, where higher consumption levels corresponded to greater odds of overweight/obesity. Children exhibiting higher scores in two or more patterns had higher odds of being overweight/obese (Medium-high: OR = 1.249, 95% CI = 1.053, 1.482; High: OR = 1.256, 95% CI = 1.081, 1.459). Subgroup analysis further indicated that the association between the Plant Hybrid Pattern score and overweight/obesity varied significantly by sex. Conclusions: Three SSB consumption patterns were associated with a higher likelihood of overweight/obesity among Chinese children, particularly among those with preferences for multiple SSB types. Interventions should be tailored to SSB consumption habits and socioeconomic contexts, with special attention to rural populations.

Food allergies are increasingly prevalent worldwide, yet the underlying immunometabolic mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Lactylation, as an emerging post-translational modification, has recently been identified as a critical regulator of immunometabolic reprogramming and inflammatory responses in allergic diseases. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of lactylation in modulating immune cell dynamics, including macrophage polarization, dendritic cell antigen presentation, T-cell differentiation, mast cell activation, and neutrophil function. By systematically integrating lactate metabolism with lactylation-mediated epigenetic regulation, this review highlights their central role in shaping allergic inflammation, thereby linking metabolism to immune regulation in food allergies. Despite the research progress, challenges remain in understanding the transient nature of lactylation and tissue-specific dynamics. Future research should combine spatial omics, lactylation-specific imaging, and physiologically relevant models to clarify its spatiotemporal regulation. Meanwhile, dietary strategies, microbiota-based interventions, and pharmacological regulation may provide practical approaches for modulating lactate metabolism and lactylation.