Nutrition and cancer

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Nutrition concerns for women with breast cancer - VII

Vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements
Dietary supplements can be helpful if you’re not getting enough nutrients from your food during treatment, but they do not take the place of healthy eating.

Your age and gender determine what your nutrient needs will be. Taking more of a certain nutrient is not necessarily better or safe. Large doses of certain vitamins and minerals can be harmful.

Antioxidants
Many of the vitamins found in vegetables and fruit act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect us by destroying free radicals – chemicals that damage cells, which can lead to cancer.

More research is needed to find out if there are important benefits or harmful effects of using antioxidant supplements during and shortly after treatment.

Let your healthcare team know if you’re thinking about or already taking supplements. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about the types and amounts that may be right for you. Many supplements can interact with prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and with cancer treatments. Some herbal supplements can behave like estrogen.

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