DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

* Histologically or cytologically confirmed solid tumor or lymphoma with no leukemic aspect

* Stage III or IV or any other stage associated with current metastatic disease at presentation
* No primary or metastatic brain tumors
* Weight loss of at least 2% but no more than 10% within the past 3 months
* No ascites

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

Age

* 17 and over

Performance status

* Zubrod 0-2

Life expectancy

* At least 3 months

Hematopoietic

* Not specified

Hepatic

* Not specified

Renal

* No hypercalcemia

Cardiovascular

* No persistent moderate or severe peripheral edema
* No uncontrolled congestive heart failure

Gastrointestinal

* No enteric fistula
* No concurrent intestinal obstruction

* Prior intestinal obstruction allowed

Other

* Not pregnant or nursing
* Negative pregnancy test
* No uncontrolled infections
* No other serious medical illness
* No metabolic disorder

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

Biologic therapy

* Not specified

Chemotherapy

* Concurrent chemotherapy allowed

Endocrine therapy

* No dexamethasone as an appetite stimulant
* Intermittent dexamethasone during concurrent chemotherapy allowed

Radiotherapy

* Concurrent radiotherapy allowed

Surgery

* At least 1 week since prior minor surgery
* At least 3 weeks since prior major surgery

Other

* At least 30 days since prior total parenteral nutrition
* No concurrent parenteral feedings
* No concurrent known appetite stimulants (e.g., megestrol or dronabinol)
* No concurrent omega 3 fatty acids or their congeners (e.g., ProSure™)
* No concurrent amino acid supplements
* Concurrent use of other dietary supplements (e.g., Ensure® or Boost) is allowed
* Concurrent enteral feedings via PEG or nasogastric tube are allowed