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Supplements to Avoid During Chemotherapy

The research on supplementation during cancer treatment is controversial. According to Karen Wagner, in her article, "Nutrition Management During Chemotherapy," supplementation with certain antioxidants "could inadvertently repair cancer cells that have been intentionally damaged by chemotherapy." However, in the article "Cancer: Health Conditions and Concerns," the Bastyr Center for Natural Health claims that some contradicting studies suggest that antioxidant supplementation may enhance cancer therapy. Additionally, the nutritional needs of the patient will vary according to her type and stage of cancer. Therefore, it is in the patient's best interest to check with his doctor before using any supplements outside of the regular diet.

The Journal of Nutrition (JN) recommends following a diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables with adequate levels of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and any other needs dependent on the individual cancer. In an article, "The Role of Dietary Supplements during Cancer Therapy," Norman, Butrum and Feldman, et al., compare the benefits and negatives to the following supplements:

  1. Vitamin E

    • Some studies of vitamin E suggest that it may be helpful in reducing pain and fibrosis, decreasing oral mucositis and helping to prolong the lives of cancer patients. It may also inhibit tumor growth. However, for patients who smoke, the vitamin may act as a prooxidant rather than maintaining its believed antioxidant role. Since the scientific evidence does not currently support routine use of Vitamin E, the JN recommends no more than 15 mg per day for cancer patients.

    Vitamin C

    • The research on vitamin C is also controversial. According to the JN, some studies show that it may interfere with standard cancer therapies, since, as an antioxidant, it may inadvertently repair the damaged cancer cells. Additionally, the JN does not recommend taking mega doses of the vitamin, because the human body may have a limit to the amount it can store. Thus, an overabundance of the vitamin would not be beneficial, since the body would simply eliminate it. Therefore, the JN recommends supporting the daily recommendation of fruits and vegetables with a "reliable" supplement and no more than 90 mg of vitamin C per day.

    B-Carotene

    • The role of B-Carotene alone is undetermined, and its benefit has not been scientifically confirmed. It does not act as an antioxidant on its own. Therefore, the JN does not recommend it as a supplement but recommends, instead, eating a diet rich in carotenoid foods, such as orange fruits and vegetables and dark green, leafy vegetables.

    Selenium

    • Selenium is changed within cells into selenoprotein. In this state, selenium has some antioxidant effects. According to the JN, selenium may prevent drug resistance, making the chemotherapy more effective. However, the benefits of selenium and contradicted by its toxicity. High levels make it toxic to cancer patients, and it has a slight range between effective and toxic. Additionally, breast cancer patients should avoid supplements that contain "saflavones," as their estrogen-similar properties may cause inhibit treatment.

    • Vitamin D-3 is a product that the human body derives from the sunlight. It aids in bone and calcium metabolism, and it may suppress the growth of tumors. However, clinical application of vitamin D-3 may require high doses of the vitamin, which could cause hypercalcemia that could be fatal. Therefore, the JN does not recommend additional supplementation outside of the normal diet and exposure.

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