Important Supplements

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Suze35
Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
edited June 2014 in Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment

I was hoping we could start a thread devoted to supplements and perhaps provide information on which ones are showing promise for BC patients (i.e. links to reputable articles), etc.  I would ideally like to narrow down my supplements so that I'm not spending $400/month and taking 100 pills a day Tongue out.  I am TN and have done the full monty in terms of chemo and radiation, and am actually currently on Xeloda and Avastin.

My "important" list includes:

Vitamin D - I think this is the most important one for me.  My levels were 19 when I was diagnosed, I have them around 50 right now and am trying to get into the 60s.  I take 5000 mg/day with Resveratrol, along with daily sunshine.

Green tea - I don't use pills, because I enjoy drinking it.  I have 2-3 large cups a day of high-quality loose green tea.

Curcumin - I am currently on about 1/2 the reccomended amount, because I'm still unsure about the relationship between chemo and anti-oxidants.

Omega 3s - I eat fish at least 4 times per week, use ground flax to make muffins (I am TN), and indulge in walnuts and sunflower seeds.  I think I'm going to add in a supplement of this as well.

Mushroom extract - I use a blend designed for breast health, including Maitake.

Green Drink - I make a green drink daily and mix it in with my (low carb) chocolate whey protein drink.  Only way I can tolerate the stuff!

I want to add Melatonin back in, but it gives me headaches, so I may try an every other day approach, or a reduced dose.

~~~~

So what does everyone recommend as the top supplements to use?  I know there are some fabulous researchers among us, it would be great to provide external links as well.

Thanks!

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited August 2011

    Great idea for a thread I am taking D,E.and just added Omega3 capsules I just hope I can tolerate them.When I see my med onc on monday I will ask him about calcium magnesium pills.I  have heard that tamoxifin is hard on our bones.Will let you know what  he says.My DH is looking into some kind of dried mushrooms from asia that he has heard about.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited August 2011

    I take 2000 iu vit D, tumeric/curcumin and 4000 iu Omega 3 also. Plus, as advised by my naturopath, one or two drops of iodine (not sure why) and magnesium for nerves and muscles post chemo pain.

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  • Seashellie
    Seashellie Member Posts: 152
    edited August 2011

    My Dr. also has me on Turmeric, 1 Baby Aspirin and 20mg. Melatonin. There are several studies on melatonin on Pubmed.org. Not only does it inhibit breast cancer growth but I sleep like a baby.  I also take garlic, vitamin C and Pecasol C as well as those mentioned above.

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  • MariannaLaFrance
    MariannaLaFrance Member Posts: 777
    edited August 2011

    I take:

    • MultiVitamin (made sure it has Vitamin K in it for bone health)
    • Fish Oil
    • Cod Liver Oil (1X week)
    • Vitamin D
    • Vitamin C (powdered, buffered form)
    • Biotin (yes, I am vain, for hair and nails)
    • B-Complex Sublingual
    • MAGNESIUM, miracle of miracles for me
    • Calcium Citrate
    • Turmeric
    • CoQ10

    Yes, quite a lot of supplements. In a snap, if I would have to choose, I would only take a multivitamin and 2 magnesiums daily. Magnesium has been a true miracle for me, allowing me to be calm (it soothes the nervous system), promotes good digestive health, bone health, and SLEEP. I sleep so soundly these days.

    Working with nutritionist, and will ultimately wean off as many supplements as possible, but this is what I am taking to build up my immune system.

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  • beau
    beau Member Posts: 374
    edited August 2011

    Hi All,



    This is a good idea foe a thread! I learned a lot from reading through other threads, but this should be a great reference. Here is what I am doing and why:

    1) 100 mg B 6 - I started on this during TC chemo due to neuropathy and it seemed to help. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck, some nerve damage, so I am keeping it up to help with that. 9 months out from chemo, my neuropathy has really improved.

    2) per this sight and my onc, 1200 mg calcium with extra magnesium added

    3) Omega 3 plus vit D pill (1000 units)

    4) multi-vitamin

    5) biotin from time to time

    6) extra vit c from time to time



    I look forward to hearing from folks. I would love to hear about any new research in This area as well. I Checked out the Dana Farber site in the nutrition area when I was going through chemo and found lots of good info/research at that time.

    Best, Beau

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  • Suze35
    Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
    edited August 2011

    Thanks for the input guys!

    I think I need to add in some Cal-Mag, as I don't eat/drink much dairy and I want to protect my bones.  I didn't think of that, these lists help Laughing.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2011

    Great thread!

    I take Curcumin, Quercetin/Bromelain, Baby Aspirin, sublingual B, Whole Food Vitamin, Vit D. (My nat onc also had me add Vit A, C, E and Zinc for a couple weeks after each surgery to help with healing)

    I drink green tea and also sometimes up the Vit C and Modified Citrus Pectin when I think I may need a boost.  I'm thinking I need to add some calcium..though I do eat the non-fat greek yogurt almost daily and a lot of leafy greens.

    One thing I've noticed....I've really been cognizant about taking vitamins/eating healthy since my diagnosis in October..and even through 3 surgeries, winter flu season, etc.... I have only had one cold that lasted maybe 2 days with a stuffy nose.  Otherwise I have not been sick at all.  This while working full time and being around people who were missing days left and right from colds and flus.  

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  • Suze35
    Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
    edited August 2011
    SusansGarden - I haven't had a single cold since I started my first chemo last September.  It does really seem to help.
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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited August 2011

    I was told not to take any supplements while on chemo. Just started them after.

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  • DebRox
    DebRox Member Posts: 437
    edited August 2011

    Important note: Monitor your vitamin d levels!



    March this year I was dxd with bc, my vitamin d level was 30. I started taking 5000 iu per day. Just had my blood drawn last Friday to check vit d levels and I am at 110, indicating vit d toxicity. Vit d is stored in the fat cells so I will have to some how detox excess vit d. I certainly did not think in my wildest dreams that I would increase my levels that quickly to that level. Be careful.

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  • Suze35
    Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
    edited August 2011

    DebRox - that is a great point. I have my levels tested every 3 months, and they are slowly rising. My doctor wants me at 60, too low or too high can be a problem.



    mumayan - the jury is still out on supplements and chemo. Most doctors say don't do it because they would rather err on the side of caution. But there are also studies that show anti-oxidants can actually help during chemo. I run everything by my MO, and I don't take large amounts of anything.



    It is definitely important to inform your doctor of any supplement you take.

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  • Letlet
    Letlet Member Posts: 1,053
    edited August 2011

    DebRox, my Vit D was in the toilet upon diagnosis. It's fine now and I was told to take 2000iu per day.

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited August 2011

    Too bad they don't make a multi for Breast Cancer with no soy.... or do they???

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited August 2011

    Question: does sesame oil have estrogen??? My vitamin D is in a sesame oil base...

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  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 902
    edited August 2011

    Great idea for a thread!  I'm seeing a complementary medicine doctor next month to discuss supplements and nutrition.  I'll post back about what she recommends.

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  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 977
    edited August 2011

    I like the idea for this thread. Thanks MA MA. 

    Has anyone ever taken L-theanine for taxotere induced neuropathy?  I read about it recently.  I bought some yesterday, but I am waiting until after surgery on Tuesday to start it. 

    Beau I see you found B-6 to be helpful for neuropathy.  How long did you take it before you felt it was making a difference?  My MO has me taking B complex.  I take additional B-1 and B-12.

    Anyone have any other ideas to relieve foot pain?

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  • Suze35
    Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
    edited August 2011

    GmaFoley - I did a little research, and it looks like sesame oil does have an estrogen effect, but nothing conclusive about its safety. I would check with your doctor about it, maybe the amount is so tiny as to not be a concern? I'm triple negative, so I apologize, I don't know as much about ER+ and what to avoid.



    FLWarrior - I read that L-theanine is good for neuropathy, I took Vitamin B while on Taxol and didn't have any other problem thankfully. I hope it helps for you!



    pejkug3 - that would be great! I'm hoping to get into a naturopath next month myself, I'll be interested to hear what is suggested.

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  • luv_gardening
    luv_gardening Member Posts: 1,393
    edited August 2011

    GmaFoley, I have numerous lists and they all mention sesame seeds but not the oil.  I don't know if it's only in the lignan in the seeds but not the oil.

    http://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/lignan/Page-1.php 

    Lignan food sources Lignan content (µg/100 g fresh edible weight)

    Oil seeds and nuts

    Flaxseed 301, 129
    Sesame seed   39, 348
    Sunflower seed 891
    Cashew 629
    Peanut   94
    Poppy seed   10

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

    Then there's this study:

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814606009265

    ... This study analyzed lignan contents of 14 brands of sesame oils, and found their mean of total lignans to be 11.5 mg/g; 82% and 15% of the lignans were sesamin, and sesamolin, respectively.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    These use different measurements so if anyone can convert mg/g to µg/100g then they can be compared.  Then you could work out the phytoestrogen content in the lignans or just see if it looks high compared to flax and sesame seeds.  The amount of oil in one capsule must be minute anyway.

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited August 2011

    Can we llist the brand names of the multi vitimans we have found to be good ones?

    Designs for Health copper/Iron free multi vegitarian caps

    Ortho Molecular -omega 3

    Ortho molecular Reacted calcium

    Twin lab- Magnesium

    Nature's bounty Vit d-

    Sundown- subllingual B complex

    Natures way- Garden veggies capsules

    Mason Natural Turmeric

    Amino care-amino acid

    Natures bounty- vit c

    Baby asprin

    Life Way Kefer- 4 oz each morning

    No processed sugar

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  • vivirasselena
    vivirasselena Member Posts: 278
    edited August 2011

    I'd add calcium and magnesium to help absorb the D vitamin

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  • ProudMom_Wife
    ProudMom_Wife Member Posts: 634
    edited August 2011

    Thank you for starting this thread.

    CoQ10 - 100mg once a day

    B6/B12 - 50mg twice a day

    Vitamin D3 - 1000 IU twice a day (until my levels get higher, currently at 29, then going down to once a day)

    Drink Grean Tea or Tumeric tea with ginger (2-3 cups a day) 

    Flaxseed with Yogurt once a day 

    Wanting to add Maitake mushrooms, but not sure if it would inter with Tamoxifen.

    Also, looking for a good multi-vitamin, will look into those recommended above.  Thank you.

    FLwarrior - I took 50mg B6/B12 2xday plus 5grams (~1 teaspoon) L-Glutamine powder 2xday to help with neuropathy from Taxol. Finished chemo almost 5 months ago and so far so good. (I did miss a few times and started to get tingly feelings in my hands, so I make sure not to skip it now).
     

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  • FLwarrior
    FLwarrior Member Posts: 977
    edited August 2011

    Thanks Proud Mom.  I think I may try adding some B-6.  I took L-Glutamine powder "the day of infusion" as directed by MO.  I still have it, so I think I will give it a try.

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited August 2011

    Natures Bounty: Your Life Multi for women 45+ - No sugar, soy, milk, lactose, yeast, shellfish, or sodium. I take that with an extra 4000IUs of D because my D level was only 28. (2 drops of Biotics research: Bio-D-Mulsion Forte).

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  • stage1
    stage1 Member Posts: 475
    edited August 2011
    Thanks for starting this thread.  My MO did not order a vit D test.  I think I better ask.  He did order a Calcium level and I am good there, maybe that's why he didn't order the D test.  I am taking multi, I will not buy Centrum Silver anymore, has BHT.  I am taking Nature Made Calcium with D and K, it has no soy or BHT.  I am taking Nature Made vitamin D, 1000IU.  I quit taking flaxseed oil as my MO thought it was to controversial.
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  • Seashellie
    Seashellie Member Posts: 152
    edited August 2011

    Merilee,

    Can you tell me if  Designs for Health copper/iron free multivitamin is soy free as well? I have been taking a multi without copper or iron by Biogenesis but just realized it contains soybean oil.

    Thanks!

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  • Suze35
    Suze35 Member Posts: 1,045
    edited August 2011

    My supplements are pretty random in terms of companies to be honest.  I haven't done my homework on getting the better companies - so this will definitely help me!

    My Vitamin D is "Schiff Mega D3" and it also contains Resveratrol and red wine extract.  I currently take 5000 mg/day, and will drop to 1000-2000/day when I reach my goal of 60.

    SeaShelly - I found this product breakdown on Designs for Health - it appears to be soy-free.

    http://www.professionalsupplementcenter.com/DesignsforHealthCompleteMultiCopperIronFree.htm

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2011

    with bone mets, Calcium, Mag and Vitamin D are very important, especially if you're taking Xgeva for the bone mets. Last scan just showed progression with 2 small mets to liver which we need to address.

    There was recent study I read conducted by Wake Forest University that showed Muscadine Grape seed extract inhibited 7 different types of cancer, including BC so we're trying that. You can even get a free bottle to try, you just pay shipping and handling. Heres a link: https://www.naturespearlproducts.com/rons

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  • Seashellie
    Seashellie Member Posts: 152
    edited August 2011

    Suze35 - Thank you so much for the info. on the Designs for Health multi! Finally, a copper, iron and soy free option. This seems to be the perfect solution and it's in capsule form too, which my Dr. recommended. I'm going to order it today.

     

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  • mumito
    mumito Member Posts: 4,562
    edited August 2011

    Saw my med onc today he said we should take the calcium magnesium  pill along with the D.He is pretty sure there is a pill out there with all three together .Just makes it easier.

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited August 2011

    Hi Suze!

    Aspirin, biotin, milk thistle, flaxseed, calcium, multi v (for women over 50), folic acid, 4000 IU D3, and Co QO 10...also drink green tea and have an apple and banana every day.

    also some wine.

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