Supplements

[john133]

Has anybody with CLL had any advice about taking supplements, like iron, cod liver oil, or any other tablets or capsules. I have been told that they mess with readings on blood counts, but I have also heard that they cause no problems.

Can anybody help??

Thanks

[ygtgo]

I have taken quite a few since being diagnosed in 2006.

Last December I had a blood test to check my B12 - Vit D - liver etc ... so at best I seem to be doing no harm ... at worse, I'm just wasting my money.

[AussieNeil Administrator]

You really need to be guided by your medical team as to whether particular supplements will help you or even be dangerous to take. With fish oils, for example, the omega 3 can interfere with platelet function, increasing the risk of bleeding (quite dangerous if you already have low platelets, which many of us have with CLL).

We may benefit particularly from some supplements - B12 and iron may help reduce the impact on your energy levels due to falling red blood cell counts caused by CLL. Many on this site have found that getting their Vitamin D levels into a healthy range has greatly improved their quality of life - myself included, but get your level checked first.

The level at which supplements can become toxic varies by supplement. Remember also, that your body usually expels what it doesn't need, and that has to put an additional load on your kidneys and liver - which you want in good shape to help you through treatment.

When you need treatment, expect to be advised to stop taking most, if not all supplements as they can interfere with treatment - in some cases magnifying the effect of the treatment, which may overwhelm your body's ability to cope with the treatment.

At the very least, you owe it to your continued good health to at least inform your doctor and specialist what supplements you are taking.

Neil

[thewaitinggame in reply to AussieNeil]

Hello Neil,

I have a low platelet count with my CCL and am taking a multi vitamin tablet

with iron and all seems ok.

Do you know if I should be taking a 75mg aspirin tablet each day which I am at the moment.

Many thanks,

Alistair

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to thewaitinggame]

Alistair, I'm not medically trained and even if I was, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to give you advice without knowing your medical history and current health status.

You are obviously aware of the increased risk of stomach and bowel bleeding when taking aspirin. Given you have a low platelet count, you'd be wise to take your question up with your doctor (who I presume recommended you take this dose of aspirin) to check with your CLL specialist.

Neil

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

You need to be tested first, specifically B12 and 25(OH)D

CLL masked my lack of B12 prenacious anemia. A test showed I have no IF, intrinsic factor, so I could take B12 supplements in massive doses and along with my money the B12 would be in the toilet... however, monthly injections of B12 have made tremendous difference not only in anemia but also in my mental state... and depression.

Get tested, follow your doctor recommendations... don't assume supplements are 'good' for you...