Dietary interventions to support immune function during chemotherapy
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Dietary Interventions and Immune Function During Chemotherapy
Caloric Restriction, Fasting, and Protein Reduction for Immune Support
Research shows that dietary restriction, including caloric restriction and fasting, can help restore immune system function during chemotherapy. These interventions promote the infiltration and activity of antitumoral immune cells and reduce immunosuppressive cells, which may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and support the immune response against tumors Crespo-Garcia2024Zitvogel2022Jeong2024. Additionally, reducing dietary protein intake has been found to suppress tumor growth and improve chemotherapy outcomes by boosting anti-tumor immunity and increasing immune cell influx into tumors Mulkeen2025Jeong2024.
Early Enteral Nutrition and Nutritional Support
Early enteral nutrition (EEN) has been shown to significantly improve nutritional status and immune function in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Patients receiving EEN demonstrate higher levels of important immune markers (such as immunoglobulins and immune cells), better nutritional indicators (like hemoglobin and albumin), and a lower incidence of adverse reactions compared to those receiving parenteral nutrition or standard care Li2024Wan2025Wang2022+1 MORE. EEN also leads to improved quality of life and reduced complications after surgery and during chemotherapy Li2024Wang2022.
Dietary Patterns and Specific Nutrients
Various dietary patterns, such as ketogenic, high-fiber, and low-protein diets, have been identified as beneficial for enhancing antitumor immunity. These diets can modulate immune responses and may be incorporated into cancer therapy protocols to improve treatment responsiveness and long-term tumor control Jeong2024Golonko2024. Supplementation with specific nutrients, vitamins, and polyphenol-rich extracts (like camu-camu) is also being explored for their potential to boost immune function and support chemotherapy Zitvogel2022Golonko2024.
Personalized and Multidisciplinary Approaches
Personalized dietary interventions are important, as each cancer patient has unique nutritional needs and tolerances. Early nutritional assessment and individualized care plans, developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, are essential for optimizing immune support and improving treatment outcomes during chemotherapy Han2023David2024.
Conclusion
Dietary interventions—including caloric restriction, protein reduction, early enteral nutrition, and specific dietary patterns—can play a significant role in supporting immune function during chemotherapy. These strategies not only enhance the immune response but also improve nutritional status, reduce complications, and increase the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment. Personalized nutrition plans and early intervention are key to maximizing these benefits for patients undergoing chemotherapy Crespo-Garcia2024Li2024Zitvogel2022+7 MORE.
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