Vitamin intake

[Annie2021]

Hi everyone

Has anyone been told that you should not take any vitamins during carbo/caelyx treatment as this may interfere with the treatment working.

Thank you

Annie x 🥰

[Caleda4]

I have always continued to take a multivitamin when I have had chemo I always asked prior to starting though. There are many specialised vitamins these days and so I kept away from those. I had carbo/caelyx earlier this year and had no problems. I do not have any medication for anything else.Hope this helps. Wishing you luck with your chemo.x

[Doglover1410]

I’ve always been told not to take any vitamins at all, through any treatments x

[Saffery1]

I seem to recall that turmeric is contraindicated. Always check on: mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagn... which tells you of any research into efficacy etc and contraindications c

[Mommoo65]

Hi, Annie. I had read not to take vitamins during chemo treatments but don’t remember if my oncologist mentioned the subject at all. I didn’t take any.

[Trickysite]

I have been told not to take anything for which I have not had the Marsden’ s approval. Not even something prescribed by my GP. Iam on Olaparib. Therefore I call the Marsden pharmacy and check their ok for any additional medication before taking.

[bamboo89]

I continued to take daily Vitamin D3, Vitamin K2, magnesium and calcium right through my carboplatin chemotherapy with no problems - I did not ask about them beforehand, though I did ask about CBD oil, which I was told not to take. I certainly wasn't told not to take vitamins, but was told not to use herbal remedies - which is why I asked about the CBD oil.

I never had a problem with low magnesium during treatment, so I'm glad I continued throughout. The advice regarding supplements during chemo varies between oncologists, but herbal remedies are probably best avoided because most will not have been tested for interactions.

[SopSinger]

I was told not to take anything else without consulting my oncologist. I had to take antibiotics at one stage for a tooth infection, but she prescribed those herself so that it was in my records, rather than my GP prescribing them. Some vitamins and supplements (not all) can interfere with chemo, so it's really important to check with your medical team.

[Ruebacelle]

You have to go to a site for contraindications to find what is ok. [edited by moderator]

[Rosebine2]

Ive just started a course of B12 injections because my number is only 109.Im worried that I shouldnt be taking this, GP aware of my cancer treatment, but it will only bring my levels up to normal so Im hoping this is OK. Got appointment with chemo nurse next week so will ask, but damage due to B12 deficiency is also harmful?

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team in reply to Rosebine2]

Hi there Rosebine2

I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling worried about your B12 injections. It’s really important that vitamin B12 deficiencies are treated, and your GP and clinical team will be making individualised recommendations for your own personal circumstances and medical situation. In addition, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre ‘About Herbs’ database doesn’t list any relevant contraindications in their information about Vitamin B12. This can be found here through this link: mskcc.org/cancer-care/integ... . You mentioned speaking to your chemotherapy nurse about this and I hope this will provide some more reassurance. Your oncologist should also be able to provide you with guidance about this in relation to your own treatment plan and medical history.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to talk anything through with a member of our support team. You can message us directly through this forum, email us via [e-mail] or call our friendly support line on 0800 008 7054, Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie – Ovacome support

[Annie2021]

Thank you for all your comments. Very helpful 🥰

[SarahBa in reply to Annie2021]

It's the vitamins which are antioxidants that you need to be especially careful with. It is believed they may interfere with the chemo and lower its effect which of course you don't want. You need the chemo to do its job.

As others have said run everything past your onco first.

[Leniko]

best to run everything by your onco first. Mine did not want me taking turmeric.

[Trickysite]

I am on Olaparib and Marsden is happy for me to have B12 injections every 3 months.