Amino Acid–Based Therapies for Diarrhea and Malnutrition: Existing Evidence and Novel Supportive Therapies

This commentary explores the pervasive challenge of malnutrition and diarrhea, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and cancer patients, and highlights the limitations of conventional treatments such as standard oral rehydration solutions (ORSs). Drawing on recent evidence, it examines the emerging role of amino acid-based nutritional formulations, with a focus on branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), VS001, and VS002A, in addressing both nutrient deficiencies and gut dysfunction. The commentary reviews mechanistic and clinical data demonstrating that BCAAs and specialized amino acid-enriched ORSs can promote mucosal healing, improve nutrient absorption, and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms, including those related to chemotherapy. Clinical studies show promising results for VS001 and VS002A in reducing the severity of diarrhea, enhancing hydration, and supporting recovery in both pediatric and oncology settings. While these interventions show considerable potential for transforming supportive care for malnutrition-related diarrhea, further large-scale randomized trials are needed to establish their efficacy across diverse patient populations.