Combined Effects of Exercise Training and Nutritional Supplementation in Cancer Patients in the Context of the COVID-19: A Perspective Study

Abstract

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, has caused unprecedented global social and economic impacts and many deaths. Many risk factors have been identified in the progression of COVID-19 to severe and critical stages, and it is shown that the coronavirus appears more severely in people with cancer. Pro-inflammatory status and weakened immune system due to cancer-related treatments can be determinants in the immune system’s response to the coronavirus in these patients. Higher physical activity levels are associated with lower hospitalization rates and mortality in COVID-19. Also, regular exercise training can improve immune system responses, modulate inflammatory responses, and improve psychological parameters in cancer patients. The interactive effects of nutritional supplements on immune responses and anti-inflammatory status have been shown in some studies. The purpose of this perspective article was to investigate the interaction between dietary supplementation and regular physical exercise in controlling risk factors associated with coronavirus in cancer patients. In addition to appropriate dietary habits, some nutritional supplements, especially vitamin D, have been shown to improve the immune system’s response against COVID-19 and cancer. Using lifestyle strategies such as regular physical activity and intake of functional compounds as supplements can be effective in treatment outcomes, quality of life, and overall survival in cancer patients. We proposed that combining dietary supplements and exercise training in cancer patients can boost immune responses against COVID-19 and probably improve vaccine responses. Angiotensin (ANG)-(1-7) Mas receptor axis can probably activate following exercise training and vitamin D combination. And can prevent pulmonary injury, hematological alterations, and hyperinflammatory state in COVID-19.

Reopening the “CANCER MOONSHOT” in the United States: A great task in the COVID-19 era

“…It's also important steps by the prioritization of oncological surgical care and the allocation of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic 73 . In addition, lifestyle modification (dietary supplementation and regular physical exercise) is effective in treatment outcomes, quality of life, and overall survival in cancer patients with COVID-19 74 . Moreover, clinical decision support systems 75 and web-based lifestyle interventions 76,77 for cancer survivors are a promising treatment option due to being both affordable and accessible.…”

Effect of COVID-19 on Public Health: The Latest Physical Activity and Diet Update for Counteracting New Emerging COVID-19 Strains (Omicron) and Stay Active and Do Not Lay on the Vaccine Alone: A Narrative Review

“…Several studies were published emphasizing staying active to improve the immune system (18,(22)(23)(24). Further studies reported low intensity training (LIT) to moderate intensity training (MIT) home-based exercise can improve the functioning of the antioxidant system and the immune system (18,25,26). Despite the recommendations for the population to remain physically active, the level of physical activity decreased significantly in the coronavirus outbreak (27).…”

“…It seems that low-and moderate-intensity sports activities have favorable effects on the immune system in dealing with COVID-19 by modulating the lymphocytes, pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines, and regulating the expression of interferon 1 (33). So physical exercise should be commensurate with the nature of COVID-19 to prevent recurrence of infection or impaired immune function (26,30,34). It is recommended that children and adolescents between 5 and 17 years perform MIT (60 minutes, about 70% of heart rate maximum, three sessions per week) (35).…”