Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Chemotherapy, Nutrition Deficiencies, and the Risk to Nerve Health
Some people starting chemotherapy may already lack important nutrients without knowing it.
Cancer and treatment can make eating difficult.
A smaller appetite or dietary restrictions can also reduce nutrition.
Other illnesses may affect the body’s nutrient levels too.
Vitamin B12 helps nerves work normally.
Chemotherapy can affect the nervous system and may make an existing deficiency worse.
Protein, vitamins, and minerals help the body maintain tissues and recover.
Nutrition designed for people with cancer is called onconutrition and is an important part of supportive care.
Patients may begin chemotherapy with an unknown nutritional deficiency.
Cancer, reduced appetite, dietary restrictions, and other illnesses can worsen nutritional status.
Vitamin B12 is important for normal nerve function and may be especially relevant during treatment.
Chemotherapy can affect neurological health and worsen an existing deficiency, according to Dr. Maurya.
Tailored cancer nutrition, or onconutrition, is described as an important part of supportive care.
- Who
- People undergoing chemotherapy, as well as healthcare professionals involved in their care.
- What
- The article discusses how nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 deficiency, may complicate chemotherapy and affect nerve health.
- When
- During cancer treatment; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Not specified in the article.
- Why
- Cancer, reduced appetite, dietary restrictions, other illnesses, and chemotherapy can affect nutritional status and neurological health.
- Main concern
- Chemotherapy may worsen an existing nutritional deficiency and affect neurological health.
- Key nutrient
- Vitamin B12 is important for normal nerve function.
- Other nutritional needs
- Vitamins, minerals, and adequate protein support tissues and recovery.
- Possible contributors
- Cancer, reduced appetite, dietary restrictions, and other illnesses can affect nutrition.
- Specialized approach
- Onconutrition refers to nutrition tailored to people undergoing cancer treatment.
- Expert cited
- Dr. Maurya says adequate nutrition is an important part of supportive cancer care.