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Vitamins That Are Good for Cancer Patients

Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is common among cancer patients who want to make their immune systems stronger. Although questions have been raised about the use of vitamins in cancer treatment, several studies have shown that these nutrients can make cancer treatments more effective, depending upon the patient and how his/her body reacts to the vitamins.

  1. Negative Studies

    • In 2008, Tara Parker-Pope of The New York Times wrote an article documenting the risks of taking vitamins during cancer treatment. In the article, Parker-Pope stated that the Journal of Biological Chemistry did a study in 1995 that showed how cancer cells thrived in the presence of vitamin C. She also cited a 2005 report that concluded that taking vitamins while going through cancer treatment is not beneficial to the patient and may even be harmful.

    Positive Studies

    • From 2000 to 2006, students and researchers conducted more than 30 studies at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Their investigation showed that more than 80 percent of cancer survivors took mega-doses of vitamins and minerals. Mega-doses are doses that are above the recommended daily allowance.

    Effective Vitamins

    • Vitamin C, vitamin B-3, and vitamin E are effective in repairing broken DNA molecules that may be damaged by cancer cells. A daily 400 mg dose of vitamin E, in particular, plays a role in decreasing the number of radical cells that are thought to be associated with how cancer forms. The recommended daily dosage of vitamin C is 500 mg, while 3,000 mg of vitamin B-3 can be taken.

    Folic Acid, Beta Carotene and Coenzyme Q 10

    • Studies have shown that folic acid is the most effective vitamin to take for cervical and lung cancer. The recommended daily allowance is 30 mg. Beta carotene also has anti-cancer properties and is beneficial in decreasing the risks of developing cancer. Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that may be effective in treating breast cancer. It should be taken in doses of 300 to 500 mg daily.

    Effective Minerals

    • Selenium is a mineral that may protect against the onset of cancer. Residents who live in parts of the world with diets rich in selenium, such as Japan, have lower occurrences of certain cancers. Calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc are other minerals that can help in cancer treatment. Prostate cancer patients should take zinc supplements because of its ability to shrink swollen prostate glands, which may help in treatment.

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