INTRODUCTION: Cancer is the second cause of death in Brazil, coming after cardiovascular disease. Medicinal fungi have been used in cancer patients due to their immunomodulatory effects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anthropometric status of men with colorectal cancer after supplementation with Agaricus sylvaticus. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in a public hospital in the Federal District. The sample consisted of 24 male patients with colorectal cancer, separated into Agaricus sylvaticus (30 mg/kg/day) and placebo groups. Weight, height, body mass index, arm circumference, triceps skinfold, arm muscle circumference and fat percentage were evaluated during treatment. The results were analyzed before treatment and after three and six months of supplementation with the Student's t test and F test, with 5% significance. RESULTS: The Agaricus sylvaticus group showed significant increase in arm muscle circumference after six months of supplementation, but not in the placebo group. There were significant changes in both groups as to body mass index, arm circumference, percent body fat and triceps skinfold thickness during treatment. CONCLUSION: The dietary supplement with Agaricus sylvaticus is able to significantly improve muscle mass in male patients with colorectal cancer.
anthropometry; colorectal neoplasms; neoplasms; Agaricales; Agaricus sylvaticus
