Vitamins

[Realistic]

Can anyone give me advice on this one since my chemo nearly 12months ago lve taken vitamins on a daily basis my body just felt so wrecked when l finished my course. I asked the question the other day on the internet when was the best time to take zinc. And l noticed that a warning came up that sometimes cancer cells can feed on vitamins omg. Have l been doing the wrong things taking them every day. Any advice would be appreciated . Im on a long holiday at the moment trying to make the best of things. Love . SheilaF xxxx

[Newbie_2020]

I have taken daily supplements/essential vitamins and minerals, too, and with the approval of my oncologist. He looked at the list and the only thing that he cautioned about, which I don’t take, are mushroom-based supplements.

Vitamins are of interest to me and I have researched extensively the body of literature on this topic, only to realise that there are so many contradicting information out there.

For example, Glutamine, often mentioned in here as an important amino acid that help with chemo-induced neuropathy and taken with success, too, by many, is a big No No in those famous books about cancer survival, to include Dr Nasha Winters’ book. Those ladies who took Glutamine are OK with it and it didn’t have any negative impact on their health or on their cancer treatment.

The discussion about Turmeric cropped up a few times in here and a few have cautioned against it. Turmeric is one of those supplements that all the literature has a common consensus about it as it helps in blocking the cancer cells from multiplying and recommended by many oncologists.

To further illustrate, you’ve mentioned that you have read a warning against Zinc; here is an academic article that correlates low zinc with increased cancer and its metastasis ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Vitamin D is crucial to support the immune system, plus there is a strong correlation between low Vitamin D and certain cancers. Vitamin D levels should be monitored with blood tests.

I find that in order for the blood to recover during and after chemo it requires the raw material such as iron, B6 and B12 (levels constantly checked with blood tests that they are low and/or to adjust the doses from top-up to maintenance).

In addition to the previously mentioned, B3 vitamin and Zinc are amongst those vitamins and minerals that are integral to the thyroid function which is often trashed with chemo.

Magnesium is always low with chemo and it is required in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.

As you also know, with chemo the digestion is troubled as well as the absorption of all micro- nutrients from food. This is only on the assumption that one has a healthful diet and/or the now a day food do contain the required levels of vitamins and minerals. Often large scale agriculture depletes the soil from all its nutrients and besides they use chemicals for the protection of their crops notably wheat, corn, and a lot of fruits and vegetables.

Having presented all this information is to conclude that the best and the most sincere advice that one could offer is 1/ to check with your oncologist; 2/ do your own research and make your own decision.

[Realistic in reply to Newbie_2020]

Thank you , you are indeed very knowledgeable in the subject SheilaF x

[Lizzieanne in reply to Newbie_2020]

I took selenium for years because soil being depleted. Then stopped. Am going to start this again but only want selenium on its own. Do you take this please. Thank you for your informative post.

[Newbie_2020 in reply to Lizzieanne]

Thank you very much for kind note, Lizzie.

You are absolutely right about the soil depletion. At times, it is assumed that taking Brazil Nuts everyday will suffice. Again, all depends where it is being sourced and the type of soil it has been grown in. It is a bit of an uncertain intake.

M & S have been occasionally supplying potatoes with Selenium added to the soil where it has been grown.

Yes, Selenium can be found on the market on its own. I take 100 mcg of Selenomethionine (natural occurring form). In the past, I took 200 mcg for 6 months to address a deficiency. 200 mcg is the safer upper end that can be taken without any problems. Methionine is an essential amino-acid that is needed by cells to repair damaged DNA and reduce oxidative stress.

Selenium supplement can also be found as yeast-based/grown selenium which I personally avoid. Many people tend to react to yeast and can be allergic, too, without realising. It adds a confusion to the multitude of symptoms that we experience with cancer.

I take my minerals separately, rather than in a multivitamins. Some work together in synergy and other inhibit each others absorption so they ought to be taken separate from each other in a gap of 2-4 hrs.

[Lizzieanne in reply to Newbie_2020]

Thanks v much. I use to take pharma nord selenium with no added vitamins. Your post has spurred me on am going to order from them direct today. Will check no yeast added but maybe zinc after reading adticle. I took B12 first time treatment 2002 but this time oncologist didnt want me to take it whilst having treatment.

[Newbie_2020 in reply to Lizzieanne]

With pleasure, Lizzie x

I do, too, and as always, best to check the oncologist. I haven't tried the Pharma Nord Selenium which comes with added Zinc and B6, an added bonus.

[Lizzieanne in reply to Newbie_2020]

One last question if you dont mind which selenium do you take. So much out there. Thanks for letting me pick your brains most grateful

[Newbie_2020 in reply to Lizzieanne]

With pleasure, Lizzie, please don't worry, at all.

I use Kirkman Lab for 100 mcg and Pure Encapsulations for 200 mcg.

Anything else, please let me know xx

[Lizzieanne in reply to Newbie_2020]

Thanks have been searching to buy have found Pure Formulas. Where do you get yours from plse?

[Newbie_2020 in reply to Lizzieanne]

Please check your DM inbox.

[Lizzieanne in reply to Newbie_2020]

Am all sorted with my selenium thank you for help. Do you know anything about IP-6. Sure I took this after first treatment 18 years ago.

[Newbie_2020 in reply to Lizzieanne]

You are very welcome, pleasure, any time. Some research work indicated IP-6 has good "potential" in the treatment of some cancer. I personally never took it and to also note that it has tendency to lower the iron levels in the blood.

[Lizzieanne in reply to Newbie_2020]

Many thanks

[Ammato2 in reply to Newbie_2020]

Hi there, I was just reading your comment regarding Vitamins. I see that you mentioned we should NOT be taking any mushroom based vitamins. I am currently on hospice, doing pretty good I think, but I have been taking the turkey tail mushroom vitamins and now I'm wondering if I shouldn't be. Just curious as to why maybe I shouldn't be?? I am in a place where there are not any more options for me so I'm just trying to extend my life as long as possible. I am 57 and was originally diagnosed at the end of 2010. It was an emergency situation and much was done wrong. Anyway, I was NED for 6 years before it came back with a vengeance. Tried all kinds of chemo and it almost killed me. At this point, I can see the growth on my left side and I have a very large tumor on my back on the left side. We call him Quasimodo 🤣🤣 Sorry this ended up being so long but any information you might have would be greatly appreciated!! Hope you are doing well!!Best wishes, Sharleen

[Newbie_2020 in reply to Ammato2]

Researching the world of supplementations when we have cancer is like being in a minefield. It is even more confusing when we are on chemo and/or treatment. While one study could support one supplement, another one hits hard at the same.

Most of these studies are also not substantiated and the methodology used is not rigorous and at time even it is not valid. The same is applicable to Turkey Tail Mushrooms. Mushroom-based supplements are loaded with anti-oxidants and help in boosting the immunity, mostly needed these days with COVID.

Being NED for 6 years is an achievement on its own right and I am so sorry that your cancer has recurred. Bless your heart as well for your sense of humour about Quasimodo.

If a supplement is working for you and you believe it is doing you some good, perhaps it is best to stick with it. Part of the battle against cancer is having a good biology and with a strong body and mind. Happy New Year with all best wishes for a better 2021.

[Ammato2 in reply to Newbie_2020]

Thank you very much for your reply! I'm going to just continue to do what I'm doing as I feel really good! Only bad symptom is the pain 🥺🥺 I do have that. Between the Morphine and Dilaudid I can somewhat manage it. I just don't want to be on a drip👍👍 The extended release tablets are pretty good and no crazy side effects. Take care, Sharleen

[Newbie_2020 in reply to Ammato2]

You are very welcome, Sharleen, and a very happy new year. Take care.

[Willowoaks in reply to Newbie_2020]

Wow! Did the oncologist say why he warned against mushroom based supplements? I’ve recently started Turkey Tail over the last few months…my CA 125 went up from less than 5.5 to 10…. Cancer has been stable but not gone for 8 months on Avastin & Femara.

[Realistic in reply to Willowoaks]

Sorry it wasn't me that knew anything about the mushroom supplements. It easy to answer the wrong post lve done it a few times in the past. Hope you get the right answers to your question. Best wishes ❤ SheilaFxxx

[Lyndy]

The internet does not know you or your cancer. If it did it might have said ‘hey sounds like you have some anxiety left over from your cancer diagnosis and treatment... this is very normal’

You have taken active steps to recover, I am sure you will have taken the recommended dose and your body has used this boost as you have got stronger or excreted what it didn’t need. Don’t beat yourself up, you are doing just fine xx

[Realistic in reply to Lyndy]

Thank your right appreciate your input SheilaF x

[SUE7777]

Hi Sheila, there is a book written by an oncologist called 'How to Live' by Professor Robert Thomas the title sounds scary but the content is full of useful tips on eating well, exercise etc. which is the best way to get over the chemo. It's aimed more at lifestyle cancers but does give good information on looking after yourself. Hope this helps and good luck we all need it. Sue xx

[Realistic]

Thank you Sue,,brilliant advice and much appreciated and yes we all do need it🙏🙏🤞💕💕 love to you all. SheilaFxxx

[bamboo89]

If you mean you are taking a multi vitamin preparation daily, they mostly have such low levels of vitamins in they don't do much anyway, largely because the manufacturer knows the person who takes them might not actually need all the vitamins that are in it, so low doses shouldn't cause harm.

I do take specific vitamins and minerals, but not to recover from chemo, I've been taking specific ones for some years - I took them as usual right through chemo. I try to take B50 complex every other day (I find folates get too high if I take it daily) but often forget because it should be taken earlier in the day - some people find they can't sleep if they take it at night. Otherwise, I just take what I've taken for some years (mostly for my bones) - magnesium, calcium, 20ug vitamin D3, vitamin K2 all taken together at night, and a standard daily dose of zinc. I'm guessing the magnesium supplement was responsible for me not experiencing a loss or drop in magnesium from the carboplatin I was given, but its important to note that magnesium, calcium and Vitamin D work in a synergistic manner - all are better absorbed in the presence of each other. I occasionally add 500mg of Vitamin C if I haven't eaten any fruit or veg or anything much at all during the day. Because I take zinc, I occasionally take copper, just to try to keep the balance right - the only reason I take zinc is because, if I don't, within 3 weeks I've got white marks all over my fingernails, which is a sign of zinc deficiency... I would be taking vitamin E and turmeric (in the form of Biocurcumax) if I could, but if you're on blood thinners as I am, they are not really advised, but I did take both for a while up to chemotherapy, when I stopped them. I've since had to stop my high dose CBD oil because of taking a PARP inhibitor, but I was taking the cbd for the last couple of years prior. I found it helpful for general arthritic pain and have noticed a difference since I stopped...

As for certain vitamins or minerals interacting with cancer, that is an absolute minefield if you try to research it - the one thing I found backed up in various places was that high oral Vitamin C supplements were not a good idea if you have cancer, but intravenous Vitamin C can be very helpful with cancer. Proper, peer reviewed scientific research into vitamins and minerals and their effects on cancer are either buried in a dark corner of the internet somewhere or haven't been done - I couldn't find any.

Miriam

[MarleyZ]

Have never been a vitamin person though since the chemo have been advised to take vitamin D which I do try and take daily..not my strong point talking meds or vitamins..I eat what I feel that I want most stuff has vitamins or minerals.. initially during chemo I was low on vitamin D and magnesium ..both improved in terms of the tests they do around these.

[Realistic in reply to MarleyZ]

Im like you, never been a tablet person really lucky l just take one a day for my thyroid so lm lucky but did feel absolutely wrecked after the chemo. But do eat a good diet thankfully anyhow lm really going to cut back on the vitamins. Thanks for your advice, appreciate you all. SheilaF xxx

[Realistic]

Thank you Miriam, your extremely knowledgeable and l really appreciate your advice, ld actually been taking a high dosage of vitamin C which l will now stop. I also take a zinc tablet at night. Cod liver oil and l was taking a multivitamin tablet each day. Thought l was doing the right thing to be honest. I do eat a good diet really, but just thoughtit might help.

A few times since my chemo my magnesium as been very low, and my own Doctors given me powders to take for a week.l have an underactive thyroid gland so l have a tablet a day for that. SheilaF xxx

[Kayadiana]

Hi Realistic. You might want to try Epsom Salts baths to boost your magnesium levels. You do have to use quite a lot per bath, but they’re not that expensive- at least compared with supplements. There’s a limit to what you can absorb orally (too much and you get diarrhoea), but you can absorb though the skin without this effect. You can also get creams etc as an alternative, but the baths have the extra benefit of relaxing muscles (they’re often suggested after exercise).

Hope this helps

[Realistic]

Thank you really appreciate your help and advice l will give it a try what a great idea. SheilaFxxx

[Leniko]

I wanted to take a morning ‘green drink’ that had antioxidants and probiotics. My oncologist approved this, and since taking it I seem to have a lot more energy and feel quite good. Just my experience.

[Realistic in reply to Leniko]

Thanks for thinking of me. What ever makes you feel better lm all for . Do you actually know tge name of the drink? SheilaFxxx

[Leniko in reply to Realistic]

Yes. It is Morning Complete by Activated You.

[Realistic in reply to Leniko]

Thank you, worth a try keep well xxx