Practical Guide to Nutrition Supplements for Cancer Patients
Surgery × Chemotherapy × Radiotherapy × Immunotherapy: A comprehensive nutritional supplementation strategy to reduce side effects and boost immunity.
Free cancer support
During cancer treatment, patients often experience side effects such as fatigue, anemia, low white blood cells, mouth sores, diarrhea, and hand-foot syndrome. Proper nutrition not only supports healing but also strengthens the immune system and helps patients tolerate therapy more effectively.
Nutrition Support Before and After Surgery
Increase protein intake before and after surgery (e.g., fish, eggs, tofu, whey protein, or nutritional formulas) to support wound healing and reduce the risk of infection. Vitamin C aids in wound repair, while vitamin D3 helps enhance immune function. Note that curcumin and fish oil have blood-thinning effects, so it is recommended to avoid them 7 days before and after surgery.
High protein: fish, eggs, tofu, whey protein
Vitamin C: supports wound healing
Vitamin D3: boosts immune function
Avoid: curcumin & fish oil (7 days pre- and post-surgery)
Nutrition During Chemotherapy
Common side effects of chemotherapy include low white blood cell (WBC) count, anemia, mouth sores, and diarrhea. It is recommended to start a high-protein diet and nutritional supplements (including triple-action immune nutrients) 3–5 days before chemotherapy.
Glutamine (20–30 g/day) can help prevent mouth sores and diarrhea; B vitamins may reduce fatigue and nerve discomfort; vitamin C and D3 support immune function. Some studies suggest that polysaccharides from Yunzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) and yeast can help stimulate the immune system and support WBC recovery.
Start high-protein intake 3–5 days before chemotherapy
Glutamine 20–30 g/day → prevents mouth sores and diarrhea
B vitamins → reduce fatigue and nerve discomfort
Vitamin C & D3 → support immune function
Polysaccharides (Yunzhi, yeast) → aid WBC recovery
Nutrition During Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy often causes skin inflammation, mouth sores, diarrhea, and fatigue. Supplementing with glutamine, vitamin C, vitamin D3, curcumin, and fish oil may help reduce inflammation.
Probiotics and digestive enzymes can improve gut health, alleviating diarrhea and bloating. However, probiotics should be avoided if white blood cell (WBC) count is below 2000.
Common side effects: skin inflammation, mouth sores, diarrhea, fatigue
Recommended supplements: glutamine, vitamin C, vitamin D3, curcumin, fish oil
Probiotics & enzymes → support gut health (avoid probiotics if WBC < 2000)
Nutrition for Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
Immunotherapy requires a solid nutritional foundation. It is recommended to consume adequate protein, along with vitamin D3, vitamin C, and polysaccharides (such as Ganoderma lucidum and yeast polysaccharides).
Common side effects of targeted therapy include mouth sores, diarrhea, and hand-foot syndrome. Supplementing with glutamine, B vitamins, and probiotics, along with proper skin and oral care, is recommended.
Immunotherapy: protein + vitamin C/D3 + polysaccharides
Targeted therapy side effects: mouth sores, diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome
Recommendations: glutamine, B vitamins, probiotics, skin & oral care
Side Effect Management with Nutrition
- Cancer fatigue – B vitamins, high-dose Vitamin C, curcumin, CoQ10.
- Mouth sores – Glutamine, Vitamin C, B vitamins, oral care products.
- Anemia – Protein-rich foods + iron sources (clams, oysters, pork liver, lean red meat).
- Low white blood cells – High-quality protein + polysaccharides (mushroom, yeast extracts).
- Hand-foot syndrome – B vitamins and skin moisturizers.
- Radiation dermatitis – Protective films, repair creams, medicated ointments.
Conclusion
Nutrition is as important as medical treatment in cancer care. With balanced meals, targeted supplements, moderate exercise, and proper rest, patients can reduce treatment side effects, strengthen immunity, and enhance quality of life.
