|
|
| home : how we can help : prevention, screening, & diagnostics : answers to cancer : diet & nutrition
|
|
|
There has been a large increase in the use of antioxidants by the general public.
Many cancer patients are taking antioxidants during their cancer treatment. Patients may be
unaware that antioxidants can interfere with other treatments and have toxic effects at
any dosage level.
The most common antioxidants are vitamins A (including beta-carotene), B6, C, and E; minerals (including zinc and selenium); bioflavnoids; glutathione; and most herbal medicines. Recent studies, however, have shown
that there my be possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and treatments such as chemo and radiation therapies. Most chemotherapy drugs produce "reactive oxygen species" to destroy cancer cells. Antioxidants may
consume these free oxygen radicals (I.E. toxic substances) in the body to prevent or lessen the breakdown of cells. By taking a large amount of antioxidants during cancer treatment, you may experience fewer side effects.
However, you may also make the treatment less effective.
It is recommended to avoid a large intake of antioxidants (i.e. above the recommended daily allowance) during chemotherapy. In addition, if you are taking extra vitamins A or E, stop taking them at least two days before
chemotherapy. These vitamins stay in the body longer than other antioxidants vitamins. In general, you may restart taking antioxidants two days after chemotherapy. It is extremely important that your doctor or nurse are aware of
any "therapies" you may want to use during your cancer treatment. This includes any over-the-counter drugs. Working together may prevent any harmful effects that these combinations may cause.
By Chin Liu, Pharm. D.
(Reprinted from N.E.W.S. Bites, published by the Karmanos Cancer Institute)
|
|
|
|
