Is it Safe To Take Antioxidants During Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy for Cancer?
Antioxidant supplementation ( ie Vitamin A, C, E) during conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy is a controversial subject.
Some studies suggest taking antioxidants supplements during treatment may be beneficial; however, there are just as many studies that tell us this may be harmful.
The scientific evidence on this topic is not strongly for or against taking antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment.
Some studies indicate that taking antioxidant supplements may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, by reducing their effectiveness.
It is possible that antioxidants may protect tumor cells, in addition to healthy cells, from the oxidative damage intentionally caused by conventional treatments. This, in turn, may reduce the effectiveness of the treatments
One study in particular has been highlighted concerning this, and now has made it’s way as to ‘mainstream’ fact with notices posted at some pharmacies..
Breast cancer patients who take the dietary supplements known as antioxidants, as well as iron, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, during chemotherapy may be at increased risk of disease recurrence and death, according to new study results appearing in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
This is a summary of their findings
- Patients who reported taking any antioxidant – vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids and Coenyzme Q10 – were 41 percent more likely to have their breast cancer return when they took the supplements both before and during chemotherapy treatment
- Patients had a similar, but weaker, increased risk of death when taking those antioxidants
- Patients taking vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements were at significantly greater risk of breast cancer recurrence and death
- Patients taking multivitamins showed no signs of poorer or better outcomes after chemotherapy
SO what do you do, and what does this mean for your dogs and cats?
First consider this..
Chemotherapy and Radiation are Cancer Treatments that work very differently, with potential for SERIOUS secondary Side effects
They cause cell death, which generate Free Radicals, in turn causing More Cell Death
Antioxidants do the opposite, hence the reason why they MAY be CONTRAINDICATED IF on Chemotherapy/radiation.
Second
The suggestion from the author was to focus on Whole Foods, not high dose antioxidants...assuming you/your pets are having chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
“People diagnosed with any cancer should talk with their doctors about whether they should be taking vitamins or other supplements,” she said. “I’d recommend that they try to get their vitamins and minerals – including antioxidants – from food."
Third
For many of the Cancers that affect our dogs and cats, chemo/radiation is NOT curative..ie Lymphoma in dogs with median 6 months of survival.
You need to be discussing this with your veterinarian, and doing your own research. I did not ever see a dog or cat 'cured' of cancer after chemotherapy in 20 years of veterinary practice.
Surgery is an excellent option (if applicable), and chemotherapy/radiation can give you more quality time to spend with your pet.
My suggestion
IF your dog or cat is on chemo/radiation, then it is best to AVOID high dose antioxidants supplements..
These are principles you should be following
- Canine CANCER diet- HIGH PROTEIN, HIGH FAT, LOW CARB
- Balanced multivitamin/mineral supplement, especially to help pain/inflammation
- CBD/THC supplement as they have multiple studies showing potential to being anti carcinogenic, and provide pain relief
- Dandelion Root Extract- especially if you are dealing with a blood borne cancer
- Melatonin supplements, especially if hormone responsive cancer
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