https://doi.org/10.4081/vl.2025.13252
Fueling lymphatic health: the emerging role of nutrition in lymphedema management
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Published: 13 March 2025
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by lymphatic fluid accumulation in interstitial tissues, often leading to inflammation and fibrosis. While Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the standard treatment, there is growing interest in nutritional strategies to enhance treatment outcomes. Evidence suggests that specific dietary approaches, such as hypocaloric and ketogenic diets, along with supplements like selenium and hydroxytyrosol, can reduce edema, improve lymphatic function, and modulate inflammation. These strategies show promise as adjuncts to traditional treatments, although further clinical research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness. Personalized nutritional interventions may be required for optimal outcomes.
Downloads
Cavezzi A, Urso SU, Ambrosini L, et al. Lymphedema and nutrition: a review. Veins and Lymphatics 2019;8:8220. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/vl.2019.8220
Saneei Totmaj A, Haghighat S, Jaberzadeh S, et al. The effects of synbiotic supplementation on serum anti-inflammatory factors in the survivors of breast cancer with lymphedema following a low-calorie diet: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. Nutr Cancer 2022;74:869-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2021.1933096
Lodewijckx I, Matthys C, Verheijen J, et al. Potential therapeutic effect of a ketogenic diet for the treatment of lymphoedema: results of an exploratory study. J Hum Nutr Diet 2024;37:885-91. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.13330
Bonetti G, Dhuli K, Michelini S, et al. Dietary supplements in lymphedema. J Prev Med Hyg 2022;63:E200-5.
García-Caballero M, Zecchin A, Souffreau J, et al. Role and therapeutic potential of dietary ketone bodies in lymph vessel growth. Nat Metab 2019;1:666-75. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-019-0087-y
Choi J, Kim J, Kim J, et al. A high-fat diet in the absence of obesity increases lymphangiogenesis by inducing VEGF-C in a murine lymphedema model. Plast Reconstr Surg 2023;152:87-96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000010037
Zamboni P, Lanzara S, Mascoli F, et al. Inflammation in venous disease. International Angiology 2008;27:361-9.
Jung JI, Cho HJ, Jung YJ, et al. High-fat diet-induced obesity increases lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in the B16F10 melanoma allograft model: roles of adipocytes and M2-macrophages. International Journal of Cancer 2015;136:258-70. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.28983
Song H, Lim DY, Jung JI, et al. Dietary oleuropein inhibits tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in the B16F10 melanoma allograft model: a mechanism for the suppression of high-fat diet-induced solid tumor growth and lymph node metastasis. Oncotarget 2017;8:32027-42. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.16757
Bölükbaşı H, Akdevelioğlu Y. Medical nutrition therapy approaches in the management of lymphedema. Gazi Sağlık Bil 2024;8:53-65.
Tedeschi R. Biomechanical alterations in lower limb lymphedema: Implications for walking ability and rehabilitation. Phlebology 2023;38:496-502. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02683555231188236
Freguia S, Platano D, Donati D, et al. closing the gaps: an integrative review of yoga’s benefits for lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Life (Basel) 2024;14:999. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080999
How to Cite
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
PAGEPress has chosen to apply the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) to all manuscripts to be published.
