Vitamins and cancer: Questions and answers about supplements and vitamins
Should I consider taking vitamins and nutritional supplements before, during or after chemotherapy?
Consult your doctor, nurse or dietitian about the use of nutritional supplements such as Boost, Ensure and Carnation Instant Breakfast as an aid to meet your nutritional needs and maintain or increase your weight. There are many products available that can not be purchased at a grocery store. Call 1-877-4WebMed to order products for your home, including those you find at the grocery store. A dietitian can help you incorporate commercial supplements into your current diet or, if necessary, design your entire diet with these products in a way that meets your estimated nutritional needs.
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Will taking vitamins during chemotherapy help?
Diet versus supplements : The preferred option to meet nutritional needs is to follow a diet. Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (a variety of compounds produced by plants) needed to help the body fight cancer are found in a balanced diet that emphasizes plant-based foods. According to the available literature based on nutrition, a proportionally inverse relationship has been observed between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the risk of cancer. In other words, eating more fruits and vegetables can decrease the risk of cancer.
It is difficult to determine if a specific nutrient is protective, or if it is a specific combination and proportion of phytochemicals. The main objective is to maintain a well-balanced diet based on vegetables, low in fat and sugars, to help reduce the risk of cancer. Recommendations include eating at least 5 servings of varied fruits and vegetables a day, along with a starch meal that includes 2 to 3 servings of whole grains.
Cancer research has not shown that taking vitamin supplements individually provides greater protection than the consumption of fruits and vegetables. In fact, three clinical studies were carried out on the protective effects of beta-carotene and lung cancer, and in two of these studies a greater association of this cancer was observed in cigarette smokers when they were given beta-carotene supplements. The third study showed no benefit or harm as a result of beta-carotene.
The term phytochemicals refers to a wide variety of compounds produced by plants. These compounds are found in fruits, vegetables, beans (grains), cereals and other plants. There are thousands of phytochemicals and they are classified into groups, such as polyphenols (of which flavonoids are a subgroup), antioxidants (which include carotenoids) and sulfides . Phytochemicals have an antioxidant action or an action similar to that of hormones.
Flavonoids are found in soybeans, soy products, chickpeas, licorice and tea. They are substances similar to estrogen, called phytoestrogens, which are produced by plants.
Antioxidants are usually found in vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage or cabbage and cauliflower. There are many types of phytochemicals that fall into this category, including the carotenoids found in carrots, yams, cantaloup melons, zucchini and apricots. The term antioxidant is often associated with vitamins and protection against cancer. Among the antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids. These nutrients are associated with a lower risk of cancer due to their ability to counteract free radicals in the body. Free radicals are reactive compounds that can damage normal cells.
Sulfides are found in garlic and onions and may play a role in reducing the risk of stomach cancer. These nutrients are found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Because of their protective association in foods, researchers are trying to determine if this benefit exists with complementary phytochemicals.
Herbs have been used for centuries to treat diseases. Many are safe and others can have serious and harmful side effects, and may possibly interfere with cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and recovery from surgery. A recent example of this is the discovery that levels of chemotherapy in the body were reduced in people taking St. John's wort or St. John's wort.
As a precautionary measure, inform your health care team about the herbal products you use or plan to use before, during or after chemotherapy . Ask your doctor, nurse or dietitian for reliable information about dietary supplements. If you experience side effects such as difficulty breathing, itching, numbness or tingling in the extremities, stop using these products immediately and contact your doctor.
The benefits of supplementing the diet with various phytochemicals and herbs to help prevent or fight cancer are not yet known with certainty. Many studies are being carried out in relation to the administration of supplements or megadoses of different phytochemicals or herbs. Apparently, much of the encouraging data regarding herbs, vitamins and cancer they have been observed in animal studies, which does not necessarily mean that the same results would be obtained in studies with humans. At this time, there are not enough consistent and significant data to draw solid conclusions or associations to recommend the use of supplements.
The use of vitamins, minerals, herbs and chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer
Research is being done to determine the safety and possible benefits of the use of herbs, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals during treatments.
Megadoses : the available literature has not shown that taking vitamins in small or large doses helps prevent or reverse cancer. It has been shown that, in some cases, megadoses of vitamins can be toxic or harmful.
Water-soluble vitamins are usually harmless thanks to the body's ability to eliminate excess vitamins in the form of waste. In some cases, they can have negative effects; For example, high doses of vitamin C may increase the risk of forming oxalate kidney stones, which translates into a higher risk for people with kidney failure. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), even in moderate doses, could cause nerve damage.
On the other hand, fat- soluble vitamins in large doses, the opposite of fighting diseases such as cancer, can become toxic, because they accumulate in the body. The toxicity of vitamin A can produce changes in bone development, enlargement of the liver, anemia and hair loss. Vitamin D in high doses can generate high levels of calcium and, consequently, calcifications in the kidneys and blood vessels, and possibly cause osteoporosis.
Note: We insist on recommending you talk with your health care professional about your illness and your specific treatments. The information included in this website is intended to be useful and instructive, and in no case should it be considered a substitute for medical advice.