vitamin c

Options
rayhope
rayhope Member Posts: 228
edited June 2014 in Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment

I always thought vitamin c was good cancer preventative.  I've read in several places on these boards that a breast cancer patient should never take vitamin c.  Is that true?  If so, why?  I've been taking it daily since BM to aid in healing and help ward off colds, etc.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • crazy4carrots
    crazy4carrots Member Posts: 5,324
    edited December 2008

    Rayhope;

    I think we are advised not to take vitamin supplements during chemotherapy, because there is a chance the chemo won't be as effective.  However, there are several supplements one can start taking a couple of weeks after the last chemo to help build up and maintain your immune system.  See the complementary therapies thread to hear what others are taking, and why.

    Since your immune system is compromised during chemo, the best advice is probably to stay away from people who have colds or flu (I know, that can be difficult!).  Also, carry around a little purse-size bottle of Purell or other anti-bacterial and use it after touching things like shopping carts.  Someone once told me that money is the worst infection-carrier....!!

    All the best,

    Linda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited December 2008

    You're not supposed to take Vitamin C during radiation either.  All anti-oxidents should be avoided during radiation.  They interfere with the treatment.

    Best,

    Lisa 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • anondenet
    anondenet Member Posts: 715
    edited December 2008

    > 

    It is a total myth that vitamins interfere with chemo or rads. There is no evidence for this position yet it keeps getting repeated like an urban legend.

    See: http://www.hsibaltimore.com/ealerts/ea200705/ea20070510a.html

     Anom

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bmdaley
    bmdaley Member Posts: 292
    edited December 2008

    I take vitamin supplements during chemotherapy (I'm stage IV) and don't know how I would survive without them. There has been some research done showing that some supplements improve performance of chemotherapy like omega-3 fatty acids (http://www.cpmedical.net/articles.aspx?page=LIST&ProdID=1674&zType=2).

    Some supplements may interfere with chemotherapy. However, I do think many in the medical profession who tell us not to take any supplements are simply wrong and they are harming us by keeping us from protecting our bodies. A certified nutrionist who follows the research closely can help you decide. There is one in Washington, DC (Victoria Wood) who specializes in breast cancer and knows quite a bit.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories